In a significant development, the Philippines Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) has summoned China’s Deputy Chief of Mission of the Chinese Embassy in Manila, Zhou Zhyiong. This action followed a confrontational incident involving China’s Coast Guard and Filipino vessels engaged in a humanitarian mission. The incident transpired in the Scarborough Shoal in the South China Sea on April 30.
The DFA’s statement reports that Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) and the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) vessels were harassed, blocked, water cannoned, and rammed by Chinese vessels. The covert attacks transpired while the vessels were heading toward the Scarborough Shoal to extend assistance to Filipino fishermen operating in the region. The DFA has dubbed the episodes as “shocking and appalling,” and asserted that China’s aggressive tactics inflicted damage to the PCG and BFAR vessels.
Philippines Coast Guard spokesperson Jay Tarriela has described China’s actions as “provocative,” suggesting that they blatantly disregard international law. Tarriela even goes as far as accusing China of employing force and violence as a means of justifying their ambitions and promoting their interests.
Interestingly, China, in contrast, has referred to what the Philippines deems as obstructing a typical humanitarian mission as a justified maneuver. They argue their actions to expel the two Philippine vessels (which had reportedly trespassed into Huangyang Island in the South China Sea) were lawful. China’s Foreign Ministry spokesman, Lin Jian, also confirmed these actions being “professional, proper, and lawful”, as the involved Philippine vessels had violated Chinese territory without authorization, thus “seriously infringing” on China’s sovereignty.
The tensions between China and the Philippines have escalated over recent months, particularly over the South China Sea disputes. The nations have been ensnared in several maritime confrontations, including collisions involving vessels from both countries. Each party claims ownership over the contested region and continually accuses one other of illegal activities.
Just to mention one such incident, earlier in March 2024, Philippine officials reported a “hostile attack” by Chinese authorities on a Philippines supply boat operating in disputed waters. Given the broader scenario, these events do seem to highlight a deeper diplomatic rift that’s widening between the two countries.