A Chinese 052d Chinese destroyer, identified as Guilinand a Chinese coastal guard ship collided while attempting to intercept a Filipino patrol boat in the disputed waters of Bajo de Masinloc, in the southern Chinese Sea.
The accident was reported by Jay Tarrielaspokesman for the Filippine Coast Guard, in an X post (ex Twitter).
+ Click here to see the video
According to Tarriela, the Chinese ships were making a maneuver to block a group of Filipino fishermen heading towards the area in the morning. The Filipino coast guard had sent the units BRP Teresa Figure, Brp suluan e MV Practice As part of the initiative New fishermanaimed at supporting local fishermen. At that moment, about 35 Philippine fishing boats were in the area.
+ China incorporates the fourth amphibious Type 075 ship and advances in its naval strategy in Asia
During the operation, the Chinese coast guard ship CCG 3104 The BRP Suluan has aggressively chased, making a risky driver maneuver that led to the collision with the game of destroyer Guilin. The impact caused the fall into the sea of several members of the Chinese crew on the bridge.
The Chinese coast guard ship has reported serious damage, compromising its floating and increasing the risk of sinking. Immediately after the accident, the Philippine forces offered assistance in the research of the members of the crew missing and provided medical care to the injured. At the same time, fishermen have successfully escorted in a safe area, where they received fuel and supplies.
Representatives of the Filipino Coast Guard have accused Chinese maritime forces of non -professional behavior, underlining that the accident reflects the escalation of the tension in the territorial dispute, characterized by blocks and use of water cannons on both sides.
The episode is part of the context of the persistent dispute on the waters of the southern Chinese Sea. The Philippines maintain an active presence, particularly in the area of Sabina Shoaldespite Chinese provocations and requests. In 2016, the arbitration court of the AIA rejected the territorial claims of Beijing, but China refuses to recognize the sentence and continues to conduct aggressive operations in the area.
Source and images: Jay Tarriela, spokesman for the Filippine Coast Guard. X @jayaryela. Content created with the assistance of the AI and overhauled by the editorial staff.
