AFP: Chinese vessel tails PH supply boat to Ayungin Shoal

Metro Manila, December 19 ------ A China Coast Guard (CCG) vessel challenged and shadowed a Philippine supply boat as it delivered supplies to troops deployed in the Ayungin Shoal in the West Philippine Sea.

The Western Command (WESCOM) of the Armed Forces of the Philippines shared a photo of the Chinese ship with bow number 5205, saying it was tailing the civilian supply boat, together with several China militia vessels in the area. The contracted supply boat was conducting a resupply mission to bring fresh food, Noche Buena packages, and regular supplies for troops manning the BRP Sierra Madre grounded in the Ayungin Shoal.

WESCOM commander Vice Admiral Alberto Carlos noted that the BRP Sierra Madre serves as the nearest Philippine outpost to China’s military garrison on Mischief Reef, a low-tide elevation which is part of the country’s 200-nautical mile exclusive economic zone (EEZ). "The Mischief garrison is in our country's exclusive economic zone and is China's closest military facility to Palawan," Carlos said. "That is why resupply missions are critical in maintaining our presence in Ayungin," he added. WESCOM reported the Chinese radio challenges were claiming the area is "under the jurisdiction of the People's Republic of China."

While the CCG allowed the delivery of supplies, it also warned in its radio challenge that bringing construction materials "will be dealt with," WESCOM said. The military said the radio challenges would always be followed by CCG's shadowing and close maneuvers against Philippine supply boats to try to disrupt the mission. Meanwhile, the boats would respond and proceed to their planned route. The supply mission is the 11th this year and fifth under the Marcos administration. WESCOM spokesperson Maj. Cherryl Tindog said it was also meant to boost morale of the troops. "Although nandun sila, they are challenging us over the radio, they are shadowing us pero walang habulan, walang harangan," Tindog explained.

Last April, China blocked the entrance to Ayungin Shoal with nets and ropes, deployed Chinese militia vessels and rubber boats "to escort" Philippine supply boats, and repeatedly warned against bringing construction materials. In May, the CCG, militia vessels, and rubber boats remained in the area but the nets were no longer blocking the entrance.

The Department of Foreign Affairs in June filed a protest against China for these kinds of activities in the Ayungin Shoal, including the East Asian giant’s illegal fishing in the area.

Source: cnnphilippines.com