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Advocates Philippines
Chinese Coast Guard Harasses Philippine Coast Guard Vessels Yet Again
Photo credit: PCG
Last June 30, 2023, the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) vessels, MRRV-4402 and MRRV-4403, encountered challenges while providing support in a naval operation led by the Armed Forces of the Philippines' Western Command (AFP WESCOM).
The PCG was tasked with escorting the boats to ensure their safety during the operation. However, the Chinese Coast Guard vessels (CCGVs) exhibited concerning behavior, hindering the PCG's progress in reaching Ayungin Shoal.
The PCG vessels experienced obstruction and harassment from the CCGVs as they approached within 12 nautical miles of Ayungin Shoal. The significantly larger Chinese vessels aggressively followed and obstructed the PCG vessels at a distance of approximately 100 yards. These actions disregard the rules set forth by the Convention on the International Regulations for Preventing Collisions at Sea (COLREGs) and were aimed at preventing the PCG from approaching the shoal.
Additionally, the PCG expressed deep concerns over the presence of two People's Liberation Army Navy (PLA-N) vessels in Ayungin Shoal. This development is particularly alarming as the Philippine Navy's operation was solely of a humanitarian nature. The deployment of Chinese warships raises further concerns about the intentions and escalating tensions in the area.
Despite the challenges faced, the PCG successfully completed its mission, ensuring the safety of the vessels involved in the operation. The PCG vessels returned to their respective areas of operation unharmed.
The PCG was tasked with escorting the boats to ensure their safety during the operation. However, the Chinese Coast Guard vessels (CCGVs) exhibited concerning behavior, hindering the PCG's progress in reaching Ayungin Shoal.
The PCG vessels experienced obstruction and harassment from the CCGVs as they approached within 12 nautical miles of Ayungin Shoal. The significantly larger Chinese vessels aggressively followed and obstructed the PCG vessels at a distance of approximately 100 yards. These actions disregard the rules set forth by the Convention on the International Regulations for Preventing Collisions at Sea (COLREGs) and were aimed at preventing the PCG from approaching the shoal.
Additionally, the PCG expressed deep concerns over the presence of two People's Liberation Army Navy (PLA-N) vessels in Ayungin Shoal. This development is particularly alarming as the Philippine Navy's operation was solely of a humanitarian nature. The deployment of Chinese warships raises further concerns about the intentions and escalating tensions in the area.
Despite the challenges faced, the PCG successfully completed its mission, ensuring the safety of the vessels involved in the operation. The PCG vessels returned to their respective areas of operation unharmed.
Jul 5, 2023
