PCG spox dismisses China's claim in Scarborough Shoal collision

A Philippine Coast Guard spokesperson dismissed China's accusation that a smaller Filipino patrol ship provoked a collision near Scarborough Shoal on August 11.

Jay Tarriela, the PCG spokesperson, said Beijing's 'reckless' maneuvers caused the crash between Chinese vessels as they chased the BRP Suluan, which was aiding Filipino fishermen.

Tarriela criticized China's narrative, stating that Manila's operations were legitimate and within its exclusive economic zone, citing a 2016 ruling by the Permanent Court of Arbitration invalidating Beijing's claims.

The spokesperson emphasized that the Philippines' mission was humanitarian in nature and offered medical aid to Chinese crew members after the collision, which China ignored.

Tarriela also noted that Chinese vessels violated international maritime rules during the incident, and urged Beijing to acknowledge its own responsibility for the crash.