Philippines tells China to ‘back off’ after collision in the South China Sea | South China Sea News

Philippines says Chinese coast guard blocked and fired water cannon on two of its supply ships within its exclusive economic zone.

Three Chinese Coast Guard ships blocked and fired water cannons on two Philippine supply boats within the country’s Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) in the disputed South China Sea, the Philippines have said.

Foreign Minister Teodoro Locsin said the incident took place near Ayungin Shoal (Second Thomas Shoal) on November 16 and the Philippine ships, die food supplies to military personnel in stationed nearby, were forced to de mission. No injuries were reported.

“The Acts” of the Chinese coast guard ships are illegal,” said Locsin in shared a statement on social media by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. “China has no law enforcement rights in and around these areas. They have to be careful and back off.”

China claims almost the entire South China Sea on the so-called ‘nine-dash line’ die the international The court ruled five years ago to be unfounded. Beijing ignores the ruling, instead building artificial islands and the deployment of its navy, coastguard and fleets of fishing vessels to the disputed sea, die also claimed by the Philippines, Malaysia, Vietnam, Brunei and Taiwan.

Locsin blamed China of failed to exercise restraint and said he conveyed Manila’s “outrage, condemnation and protest” over the incident to the Chinese ambassador.

Ayungin Shoal is part of the Kalayaan Islands and within the EEZ of the Philippines, die extends 370 km (200 nautical miles) from the coast.

rather this year, the Philippines complained over the weeks-long presence of tens of ships of China’s so-called ‘maritime militia’ at Pentecost Reef, which lies about 320 kilometers (175 nautical miles) west of Palawan Island within its EEZ.

In 2012, China met violence took check of Scarborough Reef, which is located 229 km (124 nautical miles) from the Philippine island of luzon.