China Coast Guard points fingers at PH, rams flagship vessel

The Philippine Coast Guard's (PCG) largest patrol vessel, BRP Teresa Magbanua, became the latest target of Chinese aggression in the West Philippine Sea, following a deliberate ramming incident by a China Coast Guard (CCG) vessel on August 31. 

The collision occurred near Escoda Shoal, an area well within the Philippines' 200-nautical-mile exclusive economic zone (EEZ).

According to PCG Commodore Jay Tarriela, the BRP Teresa Magbanua was conducting routine patrol operations when it was surrounded by multiple Chinese vessels, including two People’s Liberation Army Navy tugboats, CCG ships 4303 and 3104, and five Chinese maritime militia boats. 

“For the Philippine Coast Guard, the reason for the deployment of BRP Teresa Magbanua is for us to carry out a legal, legitimate coast guard operation within our exclusive economic zone,” Tarriela said.

However, another CCG vessel, 5205, was captured on PCG drone footage performing dangerous maneuvers before intentionally ramming the BRP Teresa Magbanua three times. 

The first impact hit the ship's port bow, followed by a strike on its starboard quarter, and a final collision back on the port bow.

The force of the collisions caused significant damage to the PCG vessel, leaving visible holes in its hull.

Despite the severity of the incident, no crew members aboard BRP Teresa Magbanua were injured. 

"It will still be evaluated. [Admiral Ronnie Gavan] has already mentioned that there is a need for us to send our team to evaluate and to ensure the seaworthiness of BRP Teresa Magbanua despite the damage that she incurred as a result of the direct ramming by the CCG," Tarriela said. 

The Beijing government, however, was quick to shift the blame onto the Philippines. 

In a statement released by the Chinese Embassy in Manila, CCG spokesman Liu Dejun claimed that the BRP Teresa Magbanua had illegally anchored at China’s so-called Xianbin Reef and deliberately caused the collision with CCG vessel 5205. 

Liu further warned the Philippines to withdraw from the area, asserting that any further escalation would meet consequences from China.

“We once again warn the Philippines to face reality, give up illusions and withdraw immediately on its own is the only correct way. Do not misjudge the situation, create hot spots or escalate the situation, otherwise the Philippines will bear all consequences,” Liu said.

In response to the incident, Tarriela condemned the CCG's "bullying" tactics, emphasizing that BRP Teresa Magbanua was engaged in lawful operations within the Philippines' EEZ, as affirmed by international law and the 2016 Arbitral Ruling, which rejected China’s expansive claims in the West Philippine Sea.

The United States has also weighed in on the incident. 

U.S. Ambassador to the Philippines MaryKay Carlson condemned China's actions, labeling them as "dangerous violations of international law." 

“We stand with the Philippines in upholding international law,” Carlson said via a post on X, where she reposted Tarriela’s report on the incident.

She reiterated U.S. support for the Philippines in upholding its sovereign rights under international law, citing the 2016 Ruling of the Arbitral Tribunal as a key legal precedent.

This latest incident marks the fifth documented provocation by China near Escoda Shoal in just two weeks. 

The escalating tensions have drawn international concern, particularly as China's aggressive maneuvers continue to usurp the sovereignty of the Philippines in the West Philippine Sea.