Armed Forces Chief of Staff General Romeo Brawner, Jr. has confirmed {that a} Chinese vessel “shadowed” a Philippine ship on a resupply mission within the West Philippine Sea.
The BRP Laguna was shadowed by Chinese warship 630 throughout its resupply mission to Pag-asa Island within the Kalayaan Group of Islands close to Palawan, contained in the Philippines’ unique financial zone.
While sources say Chinese presence is common within the space, this newest motion comes on the heels of a profitable resupply mission to BRP Sierra Madre at Ayungin Shoal.
BRP Laguna left Palawan for Pag-asa Tuesday evening solely a number of hours after the Ayungin resupply mission, carrying it with provides and returning residents of Pag-asa Island.
Its engines broke down at sea, delaying its arrival for a least a day.
While at sea, it was met with plenty of Chinese vessels together with the warship numbered 630.
A supply stated the vessel shadowed the Laguna till its arrival at Pag-asa Saturday afternoon.
At least ten Chinese vessels have been within the space, the supply added.
Another supply instructed GMA Integrated News that one other Navy ship, the BRP Gregorio del Pilar, which patrols the West Philippine Sea, escorted the Laguna to security.
“We continue to condemn the coercive and dangerous tactics of the Chinese Coast Guard and the Chinese Maritime Militia in the South China Sea. We call on them to follow the Rules-Based International Order,” Brawner stated in an announcement.
GMA News Online has reached out to the Chinese Embassy for remark.
China has maintained its stance that just about the complete South China Sea— together with Ayungin Shoal and different areas within the West Philippine Sea—is a part of its historic territory, and has subsequently taken “necessary controls” in opposition to Philippines boats that had “illegally” entered its waters. — BM, GMA Integrated News
Source: www.gmanetwork.com
