Philippines Accuses PRC of Damaging Vessel in South China Sea

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Facts

• The Phillippine Coast Guard (PCG) accused the China Coast Guard (CCG) of a confrontation near the Scarborough Shoal on Monday. Manilla accused Beijing of 'dangerous maneuvers and obstruction' at sea.¹
• Manilla reported that four ships from the CCG and six vessels of the Chinese maritime militia engaged two ships of the PCG. During the confrontation, two CCG ships reportedly used their water cannons against one of the Philippine ships, causing serious damage.²
• The incident happened as the PCG performed legitimate maritime patrol in the waters near the Scarborough Shoal and was preparing to resupply fuel and food supplies to Phillippine fishermen as the shoal falls inside the Phillippine's exclusive economic zone.³
• Beijing urged Manilla to stop provoking tensions and respect China's sovereignty in the South China Sea. The Phillippine ships intruded into PRC waters, according to the Chinese foreign ministry spokesman, Jin Lin, and 'the CCG took necessary measures to drive them away.'³
• Both countries have accused the other side of illegal actions, despite an earlier agreement to enhance communication and handling around South China Sea flare-ups.³
• The South China Sea is a major route for shipping cargo worth more than $3T each year. While the Philippines, Vietnam, Indonesia, Malaysia, and Brunei claim certain parts of the sea, China claims authority was declared without merit by an international tribunal's ruling in 2016.⁴

Sources: ¹Al Jazeera, ²The Business Standard, ³Independent and ⁴reuters.com.

Narratives

• Anti-China narrative, as provided by East Asia Forum. Since Beijing captured the Scarborough Shoal more than a decade ago, its coast guard vessels have harassed Philippine vessels and blocked access to fishing operations. Because these moves are part of its broader, aggressive campaign in the South China Sea, it's no coincidence that its neighbors are now pursuing deeper ties with the West.
• Pro-China narrative, as provided by Global Times. China is committed to maintaining peace and stability in the South China Sea. However, it seems that the Philippines taking advantage of China's tolerance and goodwill by underestimating its ability to protect its territory and sovereignty. Manila is contributing to the escalation of the South China Sea conflict with the help of foreign countries.

Predictions