On October 22, the Chinese Coast Guard claimed it legally intercepted the Filipino ship “Sierra Madre” that was illegally “grounding” on the Ren’ai Reef and was transporting building materials in violation of regulations. The Philippines “strongly” condemned the “dangerous interception action” by the Chinese Coast Guard vessel on the 22nd, which resulted in a collision with a Philippine supply ship.
The Philippine South China Sea Task Force stated in a release that the “dangerous, irresponsible, and illegal actions” of the Chinese Coast Guard on the morning of October 22 “violated the Philippines’ sovereignty, sovereign rights, and jurisdiction.”
The Filipino military posted videos and statements on their official Facebook page.
The incident occurred at 6:04 local time when the Philippine contracted supply ship “Unaiza May 2”, with the hull number 5203, brushed against a Chinese Coast Guard ship.
Gan Yu, spokesperson for the Chinese Coast Guard, commented on the incident, stating that the Philippines’ actions violated China’s territorial sovereignty and breached the “Declaration on the Conduct of Parties in the South China Sea.” He urged the Philippines to cease their infringing actions immediately.
The Chinese Coast Guard reported that at 6:14 am, despite prior warnings from the Chinese Coast Guard, the Filipino yacht “Unaiza May 2” ignored multiple warnings and crossed the bow of the Coast Guard 5203 ship in an unprofessional and dangerous manner, causing a minor collision.
At 8:13 am, the Philippine Coast Guard vessel 4409 deliberately reversed into a stationary Chinese fishing boat, Qing Sansha Fish 00003, causing another collision. This was seen as an intentional act to escalate the situation. The actions of the Philippines seriously violated international maritime collision avoidance rules, threatening the safety of Chinese vessels. The Chinese side operated professionally and legitimately, placing the blame squarely on the Philippines.
Spokesperson Gan Yu stated that despite repeated warnings and dissuasions from China, the Philippines sent 2 transport ships and 2 coast guard ships into the waters near the Ren’ai Reef in the Spratly Islands of China. Their intent was to transport illegal building materials to the “grounded” warship.
After multiple warnings were ignored, the Chinese Coast Guard legally took control measures against the Filipino ship carrying unauthorized building materials. Temporary special arrangements were made for the Philippines to transport essential goods such as food. The Philippine vessels, despite China’s stern warnings, approached the Chinese ships in an unsafe manner, causing the collision. The blame lies entirely with the Philippines.
China possesses indisputable sovereignty over the Spratly Islands, including the Ren’ai Reef, and its surrounding waters. The actions of the Philippines violated China’s territorial sovereignty and the “Declaration on the Conduct of Parties in the South China Sea.” They also went against their own commitments. China urges the Philippines to stop its infringing actions. The Chinese Coast Guard will continue its law enforcement activities in China’s jurisdictional waters, resolutely defending the nation’s sovereignty and maritime rights and interests.