Philippines Strengthens Military After Chinese Ships Ram Vessel in South China Sea
Manila (Philippines), August 26: The Philippines Defence Secretary announced on Monday that the country is focusing on strengthening its military to prevent armed attacks. This comes after a Philippine vessel, the ‘BRP Datu Sanday’ (MMOV 3002), was rammed by Chinese ships in the disputed South China Sea.
Incident Details
The ‘BRP Datu Sanday’ encountered aggressive maneuvers from eight Chinese Coast Guard ships while operating between Hasa-Hasa Shoal and Escoda Shoal. These actions aimed to block the Philippine ship’s mission to deliver diesel, food, and medical supplies to Filipino fishermen.
The National Task Force for the West Philippine Sea reported that the Chinese ships’ actions were unprofessional, aggressive, and illegal, posing serious risks to the Filipino crew and fishermen. The task force also mentioned that the Chinese Coast Guard used water cannons on the ‘BRP Datu Sanday’, causing its engine to fail.
Reactions and Statements
Philippine authorities dismissed claims that Filipinos fell overboard and were rescued by the Chinese Coast Guard. Speaker Ferdinand Romualdez condemned China’s actions, calling them reckless and dangerous.
Philippines Defence Secretary Gilberto Teodoro Jr emphasized the importance of deterring armed attacks by strengthening the military. He stated, “Let us make ourselves strong enough so that doesn’t happen.”
The United States, a long-standing ally of the Philippines, reiterated its support. US Ambassador MaryKay L Carlson condemned China’s actions, calling them unsafe and unlawful. Japanese Ambassador Endo Kazuya also opposed any actions that increase tension in the region.
Ongoing Tensions
Philippines National Security Council Assistant Director General Jonathan Malaya stated that Manila remains firm in asserting its rights according to international law. Recent clashes between Philippine and Chinese vessels have occurred over control of the Second Thomas Shoal. Additionally, Chinese military aircraft launched flares during a Philippine Maritime Domain Awareness Flight on August 22.
Doubts Revealed
Philippines -: The Philippines is a country in Southeast Asia made up of many islands. It is located in the western Pacific Ocean.
Military -: The military is a group of people who are trained to protect their country and keep it safe from threats.
Chinese Ships -: These are ships that belong to China, a large country in East Asia. In this context, they are part of the Chinese Coast Guard.
South China Sea -: The South China Sea is a large body of water in Southeast Asia. Many countries, including the Philippines and China, have disputes over parts of it.
BRP Datu Sanday -: This is the name of a ship from the Philippines. ‘BRP’ stands for ‘Barko ng Republika ng Pilipinas,’ which means ‘Ship of the Republic of the Philippines.’
Humanitarian mission -: A humanitarian mission is a task carried out to help people in need, such as delivering food, medicine, or other aid.
US and Japan -: The US (United States) and Japan are two countries that have shown support for the Philippines in this situation.
International law -: International law is a set of rules that countries agree to follow in their interactions with each other. It helps maintain peace and order in the world.