DFA calls out Chinese Coast Guard for its ‘shadowing, harassment, and dangerous maneuvers’

Following a denial from the Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs that a Chinese Coast Guard (CCG) ship had pointed a military-grade laser on the crew of a Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) vessel near Ayungin Shoal, the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) has called CCG for its “shadowing, harassment, and dangerous maneuvers” that have put the Filipino vessel and its crew in danger.

The PCG had reported on Monday, February 13, that CCG vessel moved dangerously close then illuminated a green light towards the PCG Vessel, the BRP Malapascua, causing temporary blindness to its crew member.

Foreign Affairs spokesperson Ma. Teresita Daza on Thursday said the MOFA has denied that the Chinese Coast Guard (CCG) involved had a military-grade laser on board. She made it clear that the DFA was standing by the PCG’s account of the incident.

“It said that it only had a range finder that it uses to measure distance. As far as the DFA is concerned, we have no reason to doubt the PCG’s account of the incident,” she told reporters.

Daza said the DFA told China that BRP Malapascua was undertaking legitimate activities within Philippine EEZ and that the CCG’s actions, which included “shadowing, harassment, and dangerous maneuvers,” have put the Filipino vessel and its crew in danger.

China’s denial was made in several instances including through the newly-established “communication line” between the DFA and MOFA that the latter used on the morning of Feb. 14.

“Our focal person expressed the Philippines’ disappointment over the incident and called on China to refrain from committing such actions in the future,” Daza said.

Beijing reiterated its claim over the Ayungin Shoal, which is 105 nautical miles (NM) off Palawan and well within the Philippines’ 200-NM exclusive economic zone (EEZ).

According to Daza, the Chinese focal person had asked for the two states to “work together to implement the consensus” reached by President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. and Chinese President Xi Jinping last month.

In response, Daza said: “While we agree that we should continue working together we hope that the Chinese side would reciprocate our efforts and refrain from committing actions that do not in anyway positively contribute to our relations.”