Chinese ‘Maritime Militia’ Sideswipes Philippine Vessels

The Philippines’ Bureau of Fisheries said a “Chinese maritime militia” boat deliberately sideswiped one of its two vessels that were patrolling near Thitu island in the contested waters of the South China Sea on Friday.

The vessel sustained dents in its starboard bow, the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) said in a statement issued late on Monday.

South China Sea Conflict?

China and the Philippines have been at loggerheads over a succession of confrontations in disputed parts of the South China Sea. Manila has accused China’s coast guard of aggression and Beijing has complained of what it calls repeated provocations and territorial incursions.

The Philippines has also accused China of maintaining a maritime militia to bolster its presence in the key waterway. Beijing says they are civilian ships.

Video Proof?

Video shared by the Philippines’ bureau showed a Chinese boat with bow number 00108 approaching its vessel, BRP Datu Cabaylo, moving in close and then colliding with it.

“Despite the incident, the BFAR vessel maintained its position and was able to continue with its… mission,” the fisheries bureau said.

Chinese Comments

Mao Ning, a Chinese foreign ministry spokesperson, said the Philippine ship “sailed dangerously in waters under China’s jurisdiction and collided with a Chinese fishing boat operating normally in the waters”.

“China urges the Philippines to earnestly respect China’s territorial sovereignty and maritime rights and interests in the South China Sea and stop any actions that might complicate the situation,” she added at a regular news conference.

China’s Claims

China claims almost the entire South China Sea, including the Philippine-occupied island of Thitu, and rejects a 2016 ruling by the Permanent Court of Arbitration in the Hague that Beijing’s claims had no basis under international law. The case was brought to the court by the Philippines.

Last week’s maritime run-in comes in the wake of a regional summit of Southeast Asian leaders where Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr called for negotiations on a code of conduct for the South China Sea to be fast tracked.

(with inputs from Reuters)