Chinese vessels harass PH research ships near Sandy Cays

The Chinese Coast Guard and People's Liberation Army Navy (PLAN) harassed Philippine research vessels BRP Datu Pagbuaya and BRP Datu Bankaw near Sandy Cays on Friday during marine scientific surveys.

Three China Coast Guard ships with hull numbers 4106, 5103, and 4202 engaged in aggressive maneuvers while four small boats harassed the BFAR vessels' rigid hull inflatable boats (RHIBs).

A PLAN helicopter hovered at an unsafe altitude above the RHIBs, creating hazardous conditions due to propeller wash.

The Philippine Coast Guard reported that these confrontations forced the suspension of sand sample collection planned by BFAR near Pag-Asa cays and Sandy Cays.

This incident occurred days after the Philippines and China held their 10th bilateral consultative mechanism meeting aimed at easing tensions in the West Philippine Sea, yet it highlights China's continued disregard for international law.

Foreign Affairs Undersecretary Ed De Vega stated that another diplomatic protest would be expected following this aggressive act by Chinese maritime forces.