Arrr! The Philippines cries foul as China be bombardin' 'em navy supply boat with a fearsome water cannon!
2023-12-11
Arr, me hearties! 'Twas a jolly spectacle o' mischief in the South China Sea, as a Chinese coast guard ship did douse the Philippine navy's vessels with a mighty water cannon. Har-har, them ships were surely in a bit of a pickle, they were!
A Chinese coast guard ship has once again targeted a Philippines navy-operated supply boat in the South China Sea. The incident occurred for the second day in a row as the Chinese ship blasted the Filipino vessel with a water cannon. The Philippine boat, named Unnaiza Mae 1, was carrying Christmas gifts, food, and supplies for Filipino marines and navy personnel stationed aboard the BRP Sierra Madre at Second Thomas Shoal. General Romeo Brawner Jr., who was aboard the vessel, described the actions as "pure aggression." He witnessed multiple instances of the Chinese coast guard and militia ships obstructing their path, followed by water-cannon attacks and collisions.During the two incidents on Saturday and Sunday, the water cannon blasts disabled the Philippine supply boat M/L Kalayaan, which had to be towed back to a Philippine port. Additionally, one of the two Philippine coast guard escort ships, the BRP Cabra, suffered damage to its mast. This is not the first time Chinese ships have engaged in aggressive behavior towards Philippine vessels, as there have been previous instances of ramming off Second Thomas Shoal and Scarborough Shoal.
Chinese officials have blamed the United States for encouraging the Philippines to provoke China. Foreign Ministry spokesperson Mao Ning accused the U.S. of exaggerating differences and inciting confrontation in the South China Sea. Mao emphasized that the maritime disputes were solely between China and the Philippines and that no third-party intervention was warranted.
These ongoing incidents highlight the tense situation in the South China Sea, where multiple countries have overlapping territorial claims. The actions of the Chinese coast guard raise concerns about their assertiveness and disregard for international norms. The Philippines and other countries involved in the territorial disputes face the challenge of asserting their rights while avoiding escalation and conflict.