Philippine Military Confirms Chinese Warship Attempted to Cut Off PH Navy Vessel
The Chinese authorities seem to have no plans of even just promoting peace and safety in the disputed territories.
The Philippines and China undeniably have pledged strong ties in front of the cameras several times. However, it is not a secret to the public that there is intense territorial rift between the two (2) countries.
For several years now, China continues to assert its claims on the West Philippines Sea. The Chinese government continuously insists its claim on the disputed waters even after the verdict of the arbitral tribunal.
In 2014, the territorial dispute between China and the Philippines over the West Philippine Sea reached the tribunal. In 2016, it released its decision which supported the claims of the Philippines. However, China did not think twice of continuously asserting its claim. Worst, there were several reports that the Chinese authorities intimidated the Filipino fisherfolks from fishing in the disputed waters.
There were also several reports when Chinese vessels blocked the ships of the Philippine Coast Guard and the Philippine Navy in the disputed waters. China’s spoiled behavior has long sparked countless headlines. However, recently, the PH military reported that “something new” happened.
According to the Armed Forces of the Philippines, a Chinese warship attempted to cross in front of the vessel of the Philippine Navy. The incident happened when BRP Benguet was near the Pag-asa Island for the resupply mission.
The military said that the Chinese warship came as close as 350 yards on its attempt to cut off the Philippine Navy vessel. While it is no longer surprising to hear such report about the Chinese authorities seemingly showing the Philippines they are above us, it is alarming that it seems like China is not only asserting its claim but disregarding peace and safety as well.
The move of the Chinese warship can put lives at risk — same with the previous moves of the Chinese vessels towards the Philippine vessels and the Filipino fisherfolks. When are they going to stop?
It is disheartening to think that while the Philippines is seeking a peaceful resolution of the issue ever since, China seems to be not on the same pursuit even just for an inch. I believe there is a need for the issue to be raised to a higher body that can alarm China over its activities.
Disclaimer: The content of the article posted above is an opinion of the writer. Also, the citations provided are based on the information deemed as facts by the different legit sources that contribute to the basis of the making of the whole viewpoint. The writer does not, in any form, intend to create inaccurate understanding of the topic or influence the readers instead, express one’s viewpoint in a formal manner.
