- A Chinese coast guard ship prevented a Philippine patrol ship from accessing a disputed shoal in the South China Sea.
- The Philippine Coast Guard invited journalists to join the sea patrol to expose China's aggressive operations in the area.
- The PCG's responsibilities have grown to include monitoring the West Philippine Sea and exposing the wrongdoings of the China Coast Guard and Chinese Maritime Militia.
A Chinese Coast Guard (CCG) ship barred a Philippine patrol ship from accessing a disputed shoal in the South China Sea, leading to a near encounter that was part of a weeklong sovereignty patrol.
As part of a plot to expose China's increasingly aggressive operations in the disputed area, the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) invited journalists to join the sea patrol, according to AP News.
The patrol boats traveled to the front lines of the territorial dispute and cruised around islands, islets, and reefs that the Philippines claimed and occupied to look for encroachment, illegal fishing, and other dangers.
The Philippine patrol ships received radio warnings in Chinese-controlled regions asking them to leave what the CCG and Navy radio callers said was Beijing's "undisputable territories" and threatening them with vague consequences if they refused.
The CCG radioed the two patrol ships repeatedly to leave the area as they neared the shoal's shallow turquoise waters for an underwater survey.
The Chinese ship abruptly pivoted to block the Malapascua as it sailed and approached the opening of the shoal, passing within 36 to 46 meters of its bow. The captain immediately changed the vessel's course and turned off the engine to bring the boat to a complete halt to prevent a collision.
Journalists on board the boats recorded the event. For the protection of the ships and crew, the PCG later departed from the area.
Philippines Standing Up To China
Under the direction of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., the PCG's responsibilities have grown to encompass more than only monitoring the West Philippine Sea, which Manila claims as its own, as well as exposing the wrongdoings of the CCG and the Chinese Maritime Militia (CMM).
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This change was made in response to an event in February in which the CCG attacked a 44-meter PCG vessel that was assisting the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) on a resupply operation with a military-grade laser, according to a Diplomat feature.
In the Exclusive Economic Zone of the Philippines, CMM vessel swarming occurrences are now openly reported by the PCG.
The PCG's efforts to draw attention to illegal activity in the West Philippine Sea have been crucial in generating support for the government's stance and increasing public awareness. It also seeks the assistance and solidarity of the neighboring Southeast Asian nations.
US, Philippines Flex Military Power in Latest Drills
The PCG's latest patrol incident report was in light of the most recent military drills between US and Philippine troops in the South China Sea, which demonstrated their military might by firing on a simulated enemy warship.
The annual Balikatan exercises included the exercise, which was observed in person by Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. The two long-standing treaty partners are conducting their biggest exercise to date, which includes over 17,600 military personnel, per CNN.
Along with Philippine FA-50 fighter planes, helicopters, and artillery, US aircraft fired on a decommissioned cruiser being towed to a location inside the Philippine territorial seas off the island of Luzon using HIMARS rocket systems, F-35 and F-16 fighter jets, and Cobra helicopters.
US and Philippine military officials noted that the drill attempted to coordinate combat troops.
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