PCG questions China's claim of humanitarian act on Filipino fisherman

The Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) is questioning China's claim of a humanitarian act by its Navy towards a Filipino fisherman.

The Chinese Embassy stated a PLAN ship provided food and water to a fisherman stranded for three days due to engine failure, while coordinating with the PCG.

The PCG confirmed the PLAN provided water and biscuits on Christmas Day but stated they received no prior information about the fisherman's situation.

The PCG disputed the claim that the fisherman was adrift for three days, clarifying the boat was safely moored to a Floating Aggregate Device (FAD) and located less than 24 hours after departing.

The PCG also noted the PLAN destroyer had no legitimate reason to operate within the Philippines' exclusive economic zone (EEZ) at the reported coordinates, which fall well within Philippine territory.

The PCG expressed hope that the incident is not exploited as propaganda by China, indicating persistent tensions over Beijing's claims in the South China Sea.