On August 11, the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) reported that around 8 a.m., a Chinese Coast Guard (CCG) vessel pursuing a Philippine ship collided with a Chinese Navy warship near the Huangyan Island. The Philippine side released a video showing the CCG ship No. 3104 colliding with a 052D destroyer numbered "164" on the sea, accompanied by a loud impact sound.

In a statement, the Philippine side said that the CCG ship 3104, while chasing the Philippine Coast Guard ship BRP Suluan at high speed, performed a high-risk maneuver from the right stern of the Philippine ship, eventually colliding with the 052D destroyer, causing serious damage to the bow of the CCG ship, which is now unable to navigate.

Chinese Coast Guard spokesperson Gan Yu confirmed that there was a standoff near the Huangyan Island on Monday, but did not mention the collision. In his statement, he said that the Chinese Coast Guard "has taken necessary measures including monitoring, pressure, blocking, and control in accordance with the law to drive away the Philippine vessels."

After the incident, the Philippines immediately called via radio, requesting assistance for possible injured Chinese personnel.

PCG spokesperson Tarriela said that at the time, the Chinese Coast Guard ship was chasing the Philippine Coast Guard BRP Suluan at high speed and attempted to use water cannons, but successfully avoided being hit by the Philippine crew.

At that time, the BRP Suluan and the BRP Teresa Magbanua were escorting the M/V Pamamalakaya into the Huangyan Island waters to support about 35 Philippine fishing vessels. Tarriela said that the Philippine fleet also encountered other vessels performing "dangerous maneuvers and interception actions" during the operation.

Maritime security analyst Ray Powell pointed out that in addition to the involved Chinese Navy warship, there were at least seven Chinese Coast Guard ships and 14 maritime militia ships surrounding the area in a "swarm" formation.

Tarriela introduced that the collision occurred about 10.5 nautical miles east of the Huangyan Island, involving the Chinese Navy ship 164 and the CCG ship 3104. Powell said that this area belongs to the "exclusive zone" of 25 to 30 nautical miles implemented by Beijing since effectively controlling the Huangyan Island in 2012.

Powell emphasized, "It is extremely rare for the PLA warships to directly intervene to block the Philippine action. This approach is a highly escalated signal."

Meanwhile, Tarriela added that the BRP Teresa Magbanua has safely escorted the Philippine fishermen to a safe sea area.

Tarriela revealed in an online press conference that some Chinese Coast Guard personnel may have fallen into the water during the collision, but it is currently unconfirmed, "We just speculate that someone may be injured or fallen into the water."

He said that the Philippine Coast Guard immediately called via radio after the incident, offering support including personnel rescue and medical assistance, but did not receive a response from China.

Tarriela stated in a statement: "The Philippine Coast Guard reiterates its commitment to ensuring all maritime activities in this area and wishes any affected Chinese Coast Guard personnel to recover quickly and receive proper treatment."

According to Article 98 of the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea, all countries have an obligation to provide assistance to ships and people in distress at sea.

Kabalsar, founder and chairman of the Manila-based think tank "International Cooperation for Development and Security," said, "The Philippine Coast Guard's symbolic assistance to the Chinese Coast Guard indicates that the Philippine Coast Guard personnel will not discriminate based on nationality when carrying out rescue missions."

The Philippines will serve as the ASEAN Chair next year. Kabalsar previously said that negotiations are expected to be unable to complete before Malaysia's chairmanship ends (only a few months left). ASEAN and China have been negotiating the Code of Conduct in the South China Sea since March 2018.

This incident is the latest in a series of recent standoffs between China and the Philippines in the South China Sea. The South China Sea is one of the busiest sea lanes in the world, with over 60% of global maritime trade passing through here.

Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos said in a press conference on the same day that the Philippine patrol ships will "continue to appear in this area" to defend and exercise the sovereignty rights that Manila considers to belong to its territory.

Original: https://www.toutiao.com/article/7537243320641225257/

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