Three Filipino Fishermen Injured Amid Aggressive Actions by Chinese Vessels in West Philippine Sea

Three Filipino fishermen sustained injuries on Friday following aggressive actions by Chinese coast guard and militia vessels that targeted Filipino fishing boats near Escoda Shoal in the West Philippine Sea.

The Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) reported on Saturday that approximately 20 Filipino fishing vessels were subjected to water cannon blasts and hazardous blocking maneuvers by two China Coast Guard (CCG) ships along with Chinese militia boats. The PCG provided photos and videos depicting water cannons aimed at small outrigger boats, resulting in significant damage to two Filipino fishing vessels.

"In an alarming escalation, small CCG Rigid Hull Inflatable Boats (RHIBs) intentionally severed the anchor lines of several Filipino fishing boats, putting vessels and their crews at risk amid strong currents and high waves," the PCG said. As a direct consequence, three Filipino fishermen suffered bruises and open wounds.

Efforts by the PCG to assist the Filipino fishermen were met with resistance from Chinese vessels and militia, yet they ultimately succeeded in providing medical aid and supplies to the affected crew.

The statement highlighted repeated blocking and dangerous maneuvers by three CCG ships as two PCG response vessels attempted to reach the fishing boats. Notably, one incident involved a CCG vessel approaching within 35 yards of a PCG ship during nighttime navigation, described by the PCG as "particularly hazardous."

Despite these unlawful and unprofessional interferences, the PCG managed to deliver prompt medical treatment and essential provisions to the injured fishermen.

The Chinese embassy in Manila has yet to comment on the incident. Beijing asserts territorial claims over most of the South China Sea, a vital maritime corridor handling over $3 trillion in annual shipping trade, including areas claimed by the Philippines and other Southeast Asian nations.

The Philippines refers to parts of the contested waters within its territory as the West Philippine Sea to reinforce its sovereignty. This area encompasses maritime zones west of the Philippine archipelago, including the Luzon Sea and waters surrounding the Kalayaan Island Group and Bajo de Masinloc.

In 2016, the Permanent Court of Arbitration at The Hague ruled in favor of the Philippines, invalidating China's expansive claims in the region. China, however, has rejected the ruling and continues to assert its claims.