Beijing (diplomat.so) — In a high-stakes encounter in the contested South China Sea, at least five Chinese coast guard ships engaged in aggressive maneuvers, culminating in a dangerous collision with a Philippine patrol vessel. The incident occurred on Tuesday, sending shockwaves through the disputed waters.
The heart-pounding confrontation unfolded as two Chinese coast guard ships deployed water cannons against a smaller Filipino supply boat carrying Vice Adm. Alberto Carlos and his sailors. The high-pressure spray shattered the boat’s windshield, causing mild injuries to the admiral and four sailors.
Vice Adm. Carlos, the highest-ranking Filipino military commander overseeing the region, expressed deep concern after witnessing the aggressive actions. He had joined the mission aboard the supply boat Unaizah Mae 4 to ensure a measured response and prevent the situation from escalating out of control.
The incident lasted about five hours off the Philippine-occupied Second Thomas Shoal and was witnessed by Associated Press journalists aboard the Philippine coast guard ship BRP Sindangan. The journalists captured the tense moment on camera, emphasizing the dangerous nature of the encounter.
As part of its strategy to expose China's assertiveness, the Philippines has been embedding journalists on its coast guard patrol ships. The "transparency campaign" aims to apply international pressure on China to adhere to maritime regulations and respect the sovereignty of neighboring nations.
The Philippines has publicly released videos and photos depicting dangerous Chinese actions against its forces. This strategy has led to a war of words with Beijing, which accuses Manila of exaggerating disputes and acting as a pawn in U.S. efforts to contain China's rise.
The latest showdown involved a Chinese blockade of at least 26 ships, including coast guard and suspected militia vessels, hindering a Philippine mission to deliver supplies to a long-marooned warship. China's assertive actions in the South China Sea have raised concerns about the potential for a larger conflict involving major global powers.
Apart from China and the Philippines, Vietnam, Malaysia, Taiwan, and Brunei also have overlapping claims in the resource-rich and strategically important waterway. The United States has been strengthening military alliances in the Indo-Pacific, including with countries at odds with China in the disputed sea.
The Philippines won a 2016 ruling from a U.N.-backed tribunal invalidating China's expansive claims on historical grounds. However, China rejected the decision and continues to assert its territorial claims.
The latest hostilities have prompted a strong reaction from Filipino officials, who condemned China's actions. The U.S. reiterated its commitment to defending the Philippines, prompting China to warn against destabilizing the region.
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