Ministry spokesman Mao Ning told a news briefing that the Philippine ships “ignored warnings from the Chinese coast guard and insisted on entering the waters near the Second Thomas Shoal”, adding that China’s operation was “professional, appropriate and legal. ” Was.
The Philippine ships were attempting to resupply military personnel stationed aboard a warship years ago for use as a base.
Mao said that responsibility for the “existing recurring emergencies” along the disputed coast rested on the Philippine side, which “refused to remove the illegally beached warships and to strengthen them in order to gain permanent possession.” Tried to”.
China urged the Philippines to stop its “maritime violations and provocations” and end its “groundless attacks and slander” against China, he said.
Jay Batongbacal, a Manila-based expert on maritime law, said the latest incidents were “clearly another incremental escalation.”
“This time the use of water cannon was not just to drop water, but it had a forceful effect, causing deliberate damage to ships. And the harassment of civilian convoys is another step in their threats,” Batongbacal said.