Philippines defense chief condemns Chinese Coast Guard sideswipe of fisheries vessel
Defense Secretary Gilberto Teodoro Jr. called the Chinese Coast Guard's sideswipe of a BFAR ship a breach of international law and said the Philippines will develop a response.
On September 18, a Chinese Coast Guard vessel 21585 sideswiped the stern of the BFAR vessel BRP Datu Magat Salamat near Abad Santos Shoal, 54 nautical miles off Palawan, inside the Philippines' 200-nautical-mile EEZ. The collision caused severe damage to the fisheries ship, though none of its crew were injured. Defense Secretary Gilberto Teodoro Jr. labeled the maneuver a violation of international law and warned it could be considered a criminal act if injuries occurred.
He said the defense department will not take the incident lightly and is already working on response options. The security cluster is drafting a plan to present to President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., emphasizing the need for a swift reaction to the growing challenge close to Philippine waters. The United States ambassador also condemned the act, while the Chinese embassy rejected the criticism.
Why it matters
The incident heightens tensions over contested waters and tests the Philippines' ability to enforce its maritime rights.
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