China Coast Guard obstructs PH medical evacuation mission in WPS

On July 7, China Coast Guard (CCG) vessels and maritime militia vessels obstructed Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) ships attempting a medical evacuation of a sick Philippine Navy personnel from the BRP Sierra Madre near Ayungin Shoal.

The CCG engaged in "obstructing and delaying maneuvers" against the PCG, despite which the mission was successfully completed, and the sailor is now recovering.

This incident marks another instance of China's disruption of PCG medical evacuation missions in the West Philippine Sea.

An official from the National Task Force for the West Philippine Sea (NTF-WPS) described China's claim that it "allowed" the evacuation as "ridiculous".

PCG Commodore Jay Tarriela stated that the harassment resulted in hours of delay and demonstrated China's "low regard for a humanitarian mission".

Tarriela further noted that China's statement confirms their illegal deployment of vessels within the Philippines' exclusive economic zone (EEZ) and their view that human life and welfare require their approval.