Filipinas has denounced what has described as “Aggressive and insecure maneuvers” made by two Chinese warships during a naval training held on May 5 near the disputed Atolón of Scarborough Shoalin the South China Sea.
The incident, which directly involved War shipsan unusual escalation in this type of dispute, occurred while The Brp Emilio Jacino ship, a corvette of the Filipina Navy, did what Manila described as “routine and legal martyrtim operations”.
According to the official statement of the Filipino Army, the Chinese ships intercepted the BRP Emilio Jacinto about 13.5 nautical miles southeast of Scarborough Shoal, an area rich in fishing that Philippines considers part of its maritime jurisdiction. China, however, controls the area since 2012, despite an international 2016 ruling that dismissed its historical claims About most of the South China Sea.
“Danger of collision”
The images published by the Philippine authorities show a Chinese frigate following the Philippine ship at a few distanceand performing a maneuver considered dangerous to Cut the ship’s bow. Besides, A Chinese coast guard ship crossed In his career. “A high -risk maneuver that created the Danger of collision“, criticizes the statement.
“The Armed Forces of the Philippines express their deep concern for these actions irresponsible of Chinese maritime forces. Such threatening and provocative behavior can lead to misunderstandings that can increase tensions and impact regional stability“Add the Filipino Army.
For its partthe Southern Theater Command of the Popular Army of Liberation of China has responded by accusing the Philippines of having invaded its “territorial waters“.
The incident coincided with the realization of the Balikatan military exercises Between the Philippines and the US, the elderly of its kind to date. Beijing has described these drills as a provocationat a time of growing geopolitical tensions in the region
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