PH Navy Sees Rising Accidents in WPS Due to China Presence
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MANILA – The Philippine Navy (PN) has issued a stark warning that collisions and maritime incidents in the West Philippine Sea (WPS) are likely to continue as long as China persists in what it terms “illegal, coercive, aggressive and deceptive” (ICAD) activities in the disputed waters. The statement follows a recent collision between two Chinese vessels - a China Coast Guard (CCG) ship and a PeopleS Liberation Army Navy (PLAN) warship – near Bajo de Masinloc on monday.
Recent Collision Highlights Ongoing Tensions
Rear admiral Roy Vincent Trinidad, Philippine Navy spokesperson for the WPS, addressed the press Tuesday, emphasizing the concern over the increasing frequency of such incidents. The collision occurred while CCG vessel 3104 was pursuing the Philippine Coast Guard’s BRP Suluan, which was attempting to resupply Filipino fishermen in the area.
“From the onset of the illegal presence of the PLA Navy, their ICAD messaging has been the cause of concern,” Trinidad stated.”And so long as they will maintain their ICAD activities and presence, incidents like this may happen again in the future.”
This wasn’t an isolated event,Trinidad clarified. “The Chinese warships of the PLAN have been conducting coercive and aggressive actions in the WPS for the past 20 or so years. It is indeed not the first time a PLAN warship has been monitored conducting this type of illegal actions.” A screengrab from a PCG video documenting the incident was released alongside the statement.
ICAD Activities and the risk of Escalation
The PN’s use of the “ICAD” descriptor – illegal, coercive, aggressive, and deceptive – underscores the Philippines’ growing frustration with China’s behavior in the WPS. These actions, according to the PN, contribute directly to the heightened risk of further collisions and potential escalation.
The Philippines maintains that China’s expansive claims in the WPS, particularly its disregard for the 2016 Permanent Court of Arbitration ruling invalidating those claims, are at the root of the ongoing tensions. The ruling affirmed the philippines’ sovereign rights to its exclusive economic zone (EEZ).
Understanding the Legal Framework
Trinidad stressed that all actions undertaken by the armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) remain firmly within the bounds of international law. He urged all parties operating in the maritime domain to exercise restraint and adhere to established international maritime protocols.”Yesterday’s example should serve as a warning for all players in the maritime domain to exercise restraint and ensure their actions are within the bounds of UNCLOS (United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea), COLREGS (Collision Regulations), CUES (Conduct of Unplanned Encounters At Sea) or other pertinent references,” he said.
philippine Commitment to Peaceful Resolution
Despite the escalating tensions and the recent collision, the Philippines remains committed to a peaceful resolution of the dispute. The PN emphasizes the importance of dialog and adherence to international law as the only viable path forward.
The incident serves as a critical reminder of the delicate situation in the WPS and the urgent need for all stakeholders to prioritize safety and de-escalation. The Philippines will continue to assert its sovereign rights and protect its fishermen while advocating for a rules-based order in the South China Sea.
(PNA)