China Coast Guard Ship Spotted Near Ayungin Shoal
CHINA – A vessel for the China Coast Guard was seen moving back and forth in the Ayungin Shoal in the West Philippine Sea.
In March last year, Malacañang Palace admitted that the West Philippine Sea is controlled by China. They did not withdraw their claim despite the ruling of the Arbitral Tribunal in 2016.
Spokesperson Salvador Panelo spoked amid the viral video of Pinoy fishermen who were allegedly driven away by Chinese vessel. “Sila ang may kontrol, as of now. Meron silang pwersa doon. We can only protest like any other country na may claim like Vietnam. Saka ‘yun lang ang magagawa natin,” he said.
Based on a report from Inquirer, a Chinese Coast Guard (CCG) ship is in the Philippines to promote cooperation and friendship. One of their sister ships was seen moving back and forth near the Ayungin Shoal in the West Philippine Sea.
The other Chinese ship intimidates the Filipino troops stationed at Ayungin Shoal. A maritime expert named Ryan Martinson, shared a photo of the trail of the Chinese ship on Tuesday night on Twitter. It showed the CCG’s maneuvers at distinct speeds since January 12.
In the caption of the post, he wrote: “The Philippines rolls out the red carpet for the Commander of the China Coast Guard. Meanwhile, a China Coast Guard ship steams back and forth, menacing Philippine Marines posted at Second Thomas Shoal.”
According to the report, Philippine Navy is stationed onboard the BRP Sierra Madre. The commander of the Western Command, Vice Admiral Rene Medina, confirmed the presence of the Chinese ship near the Ayungin Shoal.
“Based on Joint Task Force West daily report, CCG vessel 5402 was monitored in the areas since January 6,” he said.
The said shoal is around 20 nautical miles from the Panganiban reef.
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