The Philippines has reiterated its appeal to China to cease what it labels as "provocative actions," cautioning that China's efforts to obstruct Manila's resupply missions to a contested atoll in the South China Sea could lead to "catastrophic consequences."
During a press conference on Monday, Jonathan Malaya, the spokesperson at the National Security Council (NSC), reported that China's interference with a resupply mission on Sunday resulted in damage to one of Manila's boats, although no one was injured.
In the incident that occurred early on Sunday, China's coastguard indicated that a "minor collision" had taken place between one of its vessels and the Philippine boat. According to the Chinese coastguard, it was lawfully preventing the boat from transporting "illicit construction materials" to a warship.
The resupply operation was intended for the BRP Sierra Madre, a decommissioned warship grounded on the Second Thomas Shoal, which serves as a base for Philippine marines. The shoal is located within the Philippines' exclusive economic zone.
In response, Manila has condemned the "dangerous blocking manoeuvres" carried out by the Chinese vessel, expressing its strong disapproval.
The Philippines has also called upon the Chinese ambassador and lodged a diplomatic protest, as stated by its foreign ministry.
The Philippine Coast Guard has not yet determined the extent of the damage to the hull of the supply boat. However, during the same press conference, Jay Tarriela, its spokesperson, described it as "substantial" and more than a mere scratch.
NSC's Malaya accused China of "escalating tensions" in the South China Sea and maintained that it was China's actions that precipitated the collision on Sunday.
"We are relieved and grateful that no Filipino personnel were harmed. However, we are concerned about the heightened provocations and escalation by Chinese vessels that have no legitimate business operating in the West Philippine Sea," Malaya asserted.
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