Tensions escalate in the Philippines: A strong appeal to China for its inhumane and illegal actions
The Philippine authorities reported that the Chinese coast guard used water cannons to deter the Philippine Bureau of Fisheries units during their routine resupply mission for local fishing boats. The government characterized China's actions as "illegal and aggressive".
5:58 PM EST, December 9, 2023
The National Task Force for the West Philippine Sea (NTFWPS), an inter-ministerial team representing the government, has urged China to cease its "aggressive actions" around the Scarborough Shoal region. Both nations claim territorial rights over this area.
Incidence of water cannons
Philippine reports indicate that on Saturday, three civilian vessels associated with the Bureau of Fisheries were supplying over 30 Philippine fishing vessels near the Scarborough Atoll. During this mission, Chinese maritime forces allegedly used water cannons against them at least eight times.
The Scarborough Shoal, known locally as Bajo de Masinloc, and in China as Huangyan Dao, is situated within the Philippine exclusive economic zone, about 370 kilometers (approximately 230 miles) away. In 2012, China seized control of this area, compelling Filipino fishermen to relocate to less lucrative fishing zones. While Beijing later permitted them to return to the shoal, tensions over this issue between China and Manila have notably increased recently.
"The blockade of humanitarian aid distribution is not only illegal but inhumane," wrote the NTFWPS in a statement. The task force alleged that the "deliberate and targeted" use of water cannons by the Chinese Coast guard resulted in "significant" damage to communication and navigation tools on one of the Philippine ships.
Risky maneuvers
The reports also suggest that the Chinese Maritime Militia ships executed risky maneuvers and used something resembling a long-range acoustic device. According to the Rappler portal, which refers to the NTFWPS, this act caused "temporary discomfort and incapacitation to some Filipino crew members".
China claims almost the entire South China Sea, a vital maritime trade route with an annual value exceeding three trillion dollars. Other neighboring countries, like the Philippines, Vietnam, Indonesia, Malaysia, and Brunei, also lay claims to certain portions of these waters. In 2016, the Permanent Court of Arbitration at the UN declared that China's claims lacked legal grounds.
