South China Sea: China Coast Guard says its ‘special arrangements’ allow Philippines to supply Second Thomas Shoal base
- Beijing accuses Philippine supply ships of violating China’s territorial sovereignty
- Manila counters that China’s coastguard fired a water cannon ‘in an illegal though unsuccessful attempt’ to force Philippine ships to alter course
Gan Yu, a spokesman for the China Coast Guard, said on Friday three Philippine coastguard ships and two cargo vessels made an “unapproved entry” into the disputed waters.
He said the coastguard followed and took control measures against the Philippine vessels and made “temporary special arrangements for the Philippines to transport food and other necessary daily supplies”.
02:03
Beijing and Manila trade blame over ‘provocative’ moves with ship collisions near disputed shoal
“The Philippines’ actions violate China’s territorial sovereignty, violate the Declaration on the Conduct of Parties in the South China Sea, and violate its own commitments. We urge the Philippines to immediately stop its infringing actions,” Gan said.
“The China Coast Guard will continue to carry out rights protection and law enforcement activities in waters under China’s jurisdiction in accordance with the law and resolutely safeguard national sovereignty and maritime rights and interests.”
“CCG vessel 5203 deployed water cannon against Philippine supply vessel M/L Kalayaan in an illegal though unsuccessful attempt to force the latter to alter course,” a Philippine government task force said on Friday.