PN warns off Ch ship in WPS
By J.Lo
CHINESE PEOPLE LIBERATION ARMY NAVY PLAN 621
"China must immediately halt these unsafe actions and conduct themselves in professional manner by adhering to international law," Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP). Western Command Vice Admiral Alberto Carlos Carlos said Philippine Navy (PN)'s BRP Benguet warned off and issued consecutive radio challenges to Chinese People's Liberation Army Navy PLAN 621 ship southwest of Pag-asa Island on Oct. 13,2023.
Chinese vessel reportedly shadowed Benguet at 80-yard distance and attempted to cross its bow with closest point of approach of 350 yards.
Incident happened between 1:40 to 5:04 in the afternoon., according to AFP Public Affairs Office chief Lt. Col. Enrico Gil Ileto.
AFP said BRP Benguet was en route to Rizal Reef Station for regular rotation and resupply or RoRe mission when incident happened.
PN crew cited violation of Collision Regulations (COLREG) in its radio challenges, and demanded Chinese vessel steer clear of Benguet.
Benguet received counter-response from PLAN 621 using their so-called and patently baseless "10-dash line" warning.
Carlos said Chinese Navy vessel made dangerous maneuvers seriously endangered safety if not lives of people at sea.
General Romeo Brawner Jr., chief of staff of AFP, strongly urges China to cease these dangerous maneuvers and aggressive actions on Philippine vessels.
Potential for collision and accident at sea further highlights urgency for China to uphold maritime safety standards.
"AFP remains committed to ensuring safety of its personnel during RoRe missions and asserts continue to adhere to rules-based international order," said Brawner.
Philippines has continued to call on China to immediately stop its illegal activities in country's maritime zones, AFP said.
No comments:
Post a Comment