By Shannon Tiezzi
Once again, the Philippine government is publicizing China’s bad behavior in the South China Sea.
The Philippine government has accused Chinese vessels of aggressive and irresponsible behavior near Scarborough Shoal, a disputed territory in the South China Sea. Scarborough Shoal was the site of a lengthy 2012 confrontation between Chinese and Philippine government vessels. Since the Philippine ships withdrew in June 2012, ending the standoff, China has effectively occupied the area.
In a statement posted to the website of the Philippines’ Department of Foreign Affairs, the DFA said it had submitted two protest notes to the Chinese Embassy in Manila “in connection with recent incidents in the Philippines’ Bajo de Masinloc” (the Philippine name for the Scarborough Shoal).
First, the Philippines claimed that three Philippine fishing vessels (the OG Barbie, theOcean Glory 2, and the Ana Marie) “were intentionally rammed by Chinese Coast Guard Vessel 3412” on January 29, “causing damage to the vessels and endangering the lives and safety of the Filipino fishermen on board.” Manila claims that its fishermen “have been routinely, continuously, peacefully and sustainably fishing” in the Scarborough Shoal and should not (be) prevented from continuing to do so. According to Reuters, Philippine coast guard official have described this incident as the most serious confrontation yet between Philippine fishing vessels and the Chinese coast guard.
Read the full story at The Diplomat