In the latest statement on September 26, the Philippine side said there were no confrontations or “signs of aggression”. Reuters.
Earlier, on September 25, the Philippines had announced that it had launched a “special operation” under the orders of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. to cut down a 300-meter-long buoy wire fence that China had installed in Scarborough. Which is a shoal located in a special area. Philippine economic rights are disputed by China.
Chinese coast guard ships approach the buoy wire fence in this photo taken on September 20, near Scarborough Shoal in the East Sea – Photo: Philippines Coast Police
According to Navy Major General Jay Tarriella, in the “special operation” mentioned above, the Philippine Coast Guard pretended to be fishermen on a small boat, then cut the buoy wire fence and seized the anchor.
Mr Tariela, a spokesman for the Philippine coast guard, told DWPM radio and ANC channels that the Chinese coast guard responded moderately when the Philippine ship approached the coast.
Also, according to this official, the four Chinese coast guard ships present at the time “did not adopt an aggressive attitude” after seeing the media on board the Philippine ship.
Mr Tariela said the Chinese side removed the remaining buoy lines a few hours after discovering it was no longer connected.
Scarborough Shoal is an important fishing spot located about 200 km off the Philippines and within the country’s exclusive economic zone.
On September 25, China did not directly mention the buoyed wire fence but said the coast guard had “discarded a Philippine ship that violated its territorial waters”.
Speaking to the press on September 26, Philippine Foreign Minister Enrique Manalo said that their move was in line with the Philippines’ stance on the East Sea.
