THREE Chinese Navy and Coast Guard ships subjected to “aggressive and dangerous” maneuvers a Philippine Navy warship near Scarborough Shoal, further raising tension at the disputed feature in the West Philippine Sea.
The military said patrol ship BRP Emilio Jacinto (PS35) was conducting “routine and lawful maritime patrol operations” last Monday when it was harassed by the Chinese some 11.8 nautical miles southeast of the shoal, also known as Bajo de Masinloc and Panatag Shoal.
It said two Jiangkai II-class frigates with bow numbers BN 554 and BN 573 of the People’s Liberation Army-Navy and a Chinese Coast Guard vessel with bow number 5403 were involved in the latest harassment incident.
“The Chinese frigate BN 554 was documented tailing PS35 at close range, while BN 573 dangerously crossed its bow in a high-risk maneuver that created the danger of collision,” the Armed Forces said in a statement yesterday.
“China Coast Guard vessel 5403 also attempted to obstruct PS35’s navigational path,” it added.
It described the Chinese actions as “reckless,” adding those posed a “direct threat to the safety of navigation” of BRP Emilio Jacinto and violated the International Regulations for Preventing Collisions at Sea.
“The Armed Forces of the Philippines expresses its serious concern over these irresponsible actions by Chinese maritime forces. Such threatening and provocative conduct can lead to misunderstanding that may escalate tensions and impact regional stability,” it added.
It commended the “professionalism and restraint” displayed by the crew of the BRP Emilio Jacinto during the incident.
Rear Adm. Roy Vincent Trinidad, Navy spokesman for the West Philippine Sea, said in
a phone interview the Chinese ships went as close as 25 to 50 meters during the harassment, and appeared to be “testing us.”
Trinidad said BRP Emilio Jacinto maintained its course, proceeding with its mission.
“If you are going to alter course, you don’t know what the other side will do, and this may lead to collision … What’s important is you remain steady,” he said.
Asked if the Philippine Navy personnel considered firing a warning shot, Trinidad said, “All these things, if we understand Chinese warfighting thought, they will do everything up to the level of below the use of force, below actual firing, below the threshold of conflict.”
“So they would push us to fire the first shot … we have already issued the rules of engagements, we have many reminders that all their actions must be within the bounds of law and the rules of engagement,” he added
On whether the Chinese actions mean China is now in total control of the shoal, Trinidad said, “No, they are not in control. We both have access. They have access, we have access.”
China gained control of Scarborough Shoal in 2012 after a standoff with Philippine government vessels. Since then, the Chinese have prevented Filipinos from fishing inside the shoal’s lagoon.
“If they keep harassing, we will just keep performing our mandate,” he said.
