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AFP expects another protest after China's activities vs. PH vessel


Metro Manila, October 18 ------ The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) said another diplomatic protest may be filed against China after its vessel’s recent attempt to block a Philippine Navy ship’s path during a resupply mission, which is a first and is seen as an escalation of Beijing’s activities in the West Philippine Sea. “We expect that because of this incident after we have submitted official report to the Department of Foreign Affairs this will be another protest that we’ll file against China,” AFP spokesperson Col. Medel Aguilar told CNN Philippines’ The Source.


According to Aguilar, the People’s Liberation Army Navy 621 vessel of China first tried to shadow BRP Benguet during its Oct. 13 resupply mission to Rizal Reef Station in the Spratly Islands at a distance of 80 yards. “Later on, because it happened for more than three hours, the People’s Liberation Army Navy 621 of China tried the cross the bow of our LS 507 from a distance of 350 yards, so we consider it already as close enough to be considered as a dangerous maneuver on the part of China,” he added.


Aguilar said this is the first time a Chinese naval vessel tried to cross the bow of a Philippine Navy ship, “which is a kind of elevation of their activities” as far as missions to Rizal Reef are concerned. Previous confrontations were between the coast guard vessels of the two countries. The AFP spokesperson said China’s ship later changed its course after Philippine Navy personnel issued a warning that it is violating the Convention on the International Regulations for Prevention of Collisions at Sea. This may also signify a realization that its action during that time was being recorded, he added.


Aguilar described China’s action as “very irresponsible” because it may cause an accident that may endanger people’s lives. He also thinks it was “very unprofessional” for Beijing to directly violate laws that guide navigation at seas. He expects China’s harassment to continue as it also pushes its 10-dash line claim in the South China Sea. Aguilar said the Philippines will not back down. An arbitral ruling in 2016 ruled in favor of the Philippines in areas of its exclusive economic zone and continental shelf that are being claimed by China, which is something that the East Asian superpower continues to reject.


Source: cnnphilippines.com

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