The Philippines has temporarily suspended a crucial scientific survey operation in the South China Sea following a series of "dangerous" encounters with Chinese navy and coast guard vessels. The incident occurred near Thitu Island, where the Philippine fisheries agency was conducting research using inflatable boats. Chinese naval forces, including a helicopter, reportedly engaged in what was described as harassment, creating perilous conditions that prompted the survey's cessation.
The survey's objective was to collect sand samples from unoccupied sandbars off Thitu Island, located approximately 430 kilometers from the Philippine island of Palawan. Despite the hostile interactions, no accidents were reported. The Philippine Coast Guard expressed regret over suspending the operations, attributing the decision to China's persistent interference.
"As a result of this continuous harassment and the disregard for safety exhibited by the Chinese maritime forces," stated the Philippine Coast Guard.
On the day of the confrontation, a Chinese navy helicopter hovered at an unsafe altitude above the Philippine boats, exacerbating the hazardous environment due to its propeller wash. This incident coincided with a resupply mission and troop rotation on the Second Thomas Shoal, where the Philippines had previously grounded a derelict navy vessel to assert territorial claims.
In recent months, China has intensified its maritime presence in the region, deploying navy and coast guard vessels to challenge Philippine access to strategically important reefs and islands. The latest encounter involved three Chinese coast guard ships and four smaller boats executing aggressive maneuvers towards two Philippine fisheries ships and their inflatable counterparts.
The Philippine government has accused China of using intimidation tactics to deter Filipino fishing activities. This assertion comes amid rising concerns over Chinese coast guard patrols nearing Luzon, the main island of the Philippines. The situation underscores ongoing tensions in the disputed Spratlys chain, where Thitu Island marks the largest Philippine-occupied territory.
China's claim over nearly all of the South China Sea remains a contentious issue, despite an international arbitration tribunal ruling declaring such claims legally unfounded. The Philippines continues to challenge these assertions, striving to maintain its sovereignty over disputed waters.
"creating hazardous conditions due to the propeller wash," noted the Philippine Coast Guard.
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