PCG: China disrupts law enforcement vs dynamite fishing
The Philippine Coast Guard reported that Chinese vessels obstructed a law enforcement operation against suspected dynamite fishing near Pag-asa Island. The incident involved blocking maneuvers and the deployment of a Chinese military helicopter.
Why it matters
This incident underscores the ongoing geopolitical tensions and maritime disputes in the West Philippine Sea.
MANILA, Philippines - Chinese coast guard ships disrupted a Philippine law enforcement operation against suspected dynamite fishing near Pag-asa Island on Sunday, the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) reported.
Rear Adm. Jay Tarriela, PCG spokesman for West Philippine Sea (WPS) issues, yesterday said personnel of the Joint Task Unit Pag-Asa reported sighting alleged blast fishing by a foreign vessel near Sandy Cays 2 and 3, about three nautical miles west of Pag-asa.
Tarriela said the task force deployed boats in response, but China Coast Guard (CCG) ships with bow numbers 5102 and 21581 moved in their path, apparently as part of blocking maneuver at around 9:50 a.m.
"They sounded their horns and radio-challenged the Philippine team inside Philippine territorial waters," he said.
Tarriela said the suspected blast fishing boats had already returned to their mother ship when the PCG came close at about 500 meters east-southeast of Sandy Cay 2.
Get smarter about the news
Sign up free for a feed built around what you actually care about, Dive Deeper research on any story, and the full text of every article.
Create free accountAlready have an account? Sign in