PH condemns latest Chinese aggression

The Philippines has condemned what it described as the unlawful and aggressive actions of the Chinese Coast Guard near Panatag Shoal in the West Philippine Sea, vowing to continue defending its sovereignty in the area.

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The latest incident, which has once again heightened tensions in the strategic waterway, occurred on June 20 when BRP Datu Taradapit, a vessel of the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR), was blasted with a water cannon by China Coast Guard ship 4203 while delivering supplies to Filipino fisherfolk near the shoal.

According to earlier reports, the Chinese vessel also carried out unsafe maneuvers in an attempt to block the resupply mission.

“The Philippine government strongly condemns the China Coast Guard’s latest aggressive actions against Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources vessels conducting legitimate maritime patrols and fisheries support operations near Bajo de Masinloc (Panatag Shoal) in the West Philippine Sea,” the National Maritime Council said in a statement.