On Tuesday morning, the waters near Huangyan Dao became the stage for a dramatic maritime incident. A Philippine Coast Guard vessel (PCG 9701) executed a series of dangerous maneuvers against Chinese Coast Guard vessels (CCG 21550 and 5009), with on-site video footage captured by Global Times correspondents showing the vessel coming as close as 100 meters.
Maritime affairs expert Yang Xiao from the China Institutes of Contemporary International Relations criticized the actions as extremely risky. Despite PCG 9701 having a 2,300-ton displacement compared to the much smaller Chinese vessels, its abrupt, large-angle turns over a sustained 30-minute period have raised serious concerns. Yang warned, "If a collision were to occur, the consequences would be unimaginable," urging a reevaluation of such provocative tactics.
The incident, which marks a sharp escalation in navigation tactics, underscores the need for restraint and adherence to international maritime norms. China has reiterated its firm commitment to safeguard its territorial sovereignty and maritime rights, calling on the Philippines to cease actions that might destabilize the region.
For young news enthusiasts and adventurers alike, this serves as a reminder of the unpredictable nature of the sea and the importance of maintaining safety and respect in international waters. Stay informed and navigate wisely! ⚓️🌊
Reference(s):
Philippine vessel provokes tensions near China's Huangyan Dao
cgtn.com
