CCG fails to inspect Chinese vessels at Escoda Shoal, shares meals instead

The Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) on Thursday accused the China Coast Guard (CCG) of failing to uphold its responsibilities with the Western and Central Pacific Fisheries Commission (WCPFC), citing that CCG vessel 5303 did not inspect Chinese maritime militia vessels when it arrived at Escoda Shoal.

Commodore Jay Tarriela, PCG spokesperson for the West Philippine Sea, noted that instead of conducting inspections, CCG personnel interacted with the crew of the Chinese maritime militia vessels as if they were familiar acquaintances and shared meals together.

Tarriela emphasized that no formal boarding procedures were carried out by the CCG to question the intentions of these vessels, despite their prolonged presence without any signs of fishing.

He argued that this inaction suggests China views its maritime militias as an integral part of their operations, aiding in encroaching on Exclusive Economic Zones throughout the South China Sea and intimidating neighboring countries like Vietnam, Malaysia, Indonesia, and the Philippines.

Tarriela concluded by asserting that the CCG should not be entrusted with WCPFC responsibilities due to their apparent aim of legitimizing China's unlawful presence in the West Philippine Sea under the guise of maritime law enforcement.