A senior Philippine Navy official has described China's Coast Guard personnel as a "band of barbarians" following a violent confrontation during a resupply mission to Ayungin Shoal in the West Philippine Sea. The incident resulted in injuries and vessel damage.
During the mission, a Philippine sailor sustained serious injuries due to what the military termed an "intentional high-speed ramming" by the Chinese Coast Guard, aimed at disrupting the resupply effort for troops stationed on the shoal.
Philippine military officials reported that China's Coast Guard personnel, armed with knives and spears, looted firearms and deliberately damaged Philippine boats involved in the mission.
"We were unprepared for that kind of response," said Commodore Roy Vincent Trinidad, Philippine Navy spokesperson for the West Philippine Sea. "We adhered to the rules of engagement and refrained from using guns except for self-defense."
Trinidad criticized China's "illegal, aggressive, and deceptive" actions, highlighting the increased risk of miscalculation at sea.
In contrast, China's foreign ministry defended their actions, claiming they were lawful and professional. Ministry spokesperson Lin Jian accused the Philippine ships of smuggling weapons and deliberately ramming Chinese vessels. Lin also claimed that non-personnel from the Philippine side had splashed water and thrown objects at Chinese officers, exacerbating the situation.
The frequency and tension of encounters between the Philippines and China have escalated over the past year, with Beijing asserting its claims over most of the South China Sea and Manila continuing its resupply missions. China views these missions as illegal intrusions and has attempted to repel the vessels.
"Our approach is transparent and lawful. Their actions amount to piracy... barbaric behavior. I call them a band of barbarians. They have no right to wear the uniform. Coastguardsmen should ensure the safety of life at sea, but their actions threaten it," Trinidad stated.
US Secretary of State Antony Blinken discussed China's actions in the South China Sea with Philippine Foreign Secretary Enrique Manalo. The incident has drawn condemnation from the US, Britain, and Canada.
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