The Philippine coast guard has accused its Chinese counterpart of obstructing an attempt to evacuate a sick member of its armed forces from the South China Sea. The Philippines described the Chinese actions as “barbaric and inhumane.”
Incident Details
The incident occurred last month and involved a marine stationed on the BRP Sierra Madre, a Philippine vessel grounded at the disputed Second Thomas Shoal. This location has been the site of repeated confrontations between the Philippines and China over the past year.
Coast Guard spokesperson Jay Tarriela stated that both coast guard and navy boats were harassed by Chinese vessels, despite informing them that the operation was for medical purposes. Tarriela condemned the actions, saying, “The barbaric and inhumane behaviour displayed by the China Coast Guard has no place in our society.”
China’s Response and Further Actions
China’s embassy in the Philippines has acknowledged the request for comment but has not yet responded. Tarriela also mentioned that the Chinese coast guard engaged in dangerous manoeuvres and even intentionally rammed a navy boat transporting the sick personnel. He emphasized that what should have been a straightforward medical evacuation turned into an episode of harassment.
Philippine military chief Romeo Brawner explained that the first attempt to transport the sick soldier to Palawan failed due to Chinese obstruction. A second attempt, with assistance from the Philippine coast guard, was successful.
Ongoing Tensions in the South China Sea
China claims nearly the entire South China Sea, which is crucial for over $3 trillion in annual ship commerce. The country has deployed numerous coast guard vessels far from its mainland to enforce what it claims as its jurisdiction.
The Philippines and China have clashed frequently this past year over disputed areas within Manila’s exclusive economic zone. While China accuses the Philippines of encroachment, Manila and its allies have condemned China’s actions as aggressive.
In 2016, the Permanent Court of Arbitration in The Hague ruled that China’s claims had no legal basis, a decision Beijing has rejected.
With Inputs from Reuters
