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Miami Herald
14-07-2025
- Politics
- Miami Herald
US Treaty Ally Intercepts Chinese Warships Near Coast: Video
The Philippines dispatched its coast guard over the weekend to challenge a pair of Chinese warships in the Southeast Asian country's maritime zone. Newsweek reached out to China's Foreign Ministry by email with a request for comment. The neighbors are locked in a territorial dispute over China's expanding coast guard and naval presence inside Manila's exclusive economic zone, an area that extends 230 miles from the Philippine territorial sea. The U.S. ally alone is entitled to patrol in the zone under the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea, to which both the Philippines and China are signatories. An estimated one-third of the world's ship-borne trade passes through the South China Sea each year. It is the subject of competing claims by several countries, including China. In a post on X (formerly Twitter), Philippine coast guard (PCG) spokesperson Jay Tarriela said the agency deployed its largest vessel, the BRP Teresa Magbanua, to intercept Chinese electronic surveillance ship the Tianwangxing. The vessel was detected about 80 miles off the coast of Cabra Island, in the Philippine province of Occidental Mindoro. Video released by the Philippine coast guard captured a radio broadcast informing the Chinese ship that it was not authorized to operate in those waters and ordering it to leave. The Tianwangxing did not react but its Chinese coast guard escort responded by asserting Beijing's claim to the area. As of 11:00 a.m. Saturday, the Chinese ships had been joined by a second People's Liberation Army Navy vessel—guided-missile destroyer Guilin—which deployed its onboard helicopter in what Tarriela said were landing exercises. "The PCG remains steadfast in its mission to uphold Philippine sovereignty, sovereign rights, and jurisdiction in its maritime zones, especially in the West Philippine Sea, in accordance with the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea, the 2016 Arbitral Award, and the Philippine Maritime Zones Act," Tarriela said. The West Philippine Sea is Manila's term for those parts of the South China Sea that fall within its exclusive economic zone. The arbitral award he referenced is a 2016 ruling by a Hague-based tribunal that rejected most of China's expansive maritime claims. Beijing refused to participate in the proceedings and continues to reject the ruling. Cabra Island is situated nearly 800 miles from China's southernmost province, Hainan. Chinese state-affiliated think tank South China Sea Strategic Probing Initiative wrote on X: "Wow! How brave PCG is! However, what right does the PCG have to intercept a Chinese military vessel in this area?" The Philippines' Department of Foreign Affairs said in a statement Sunday: "Today, the Philippines commemorates the ninth anniversary of the landmark ruling on the South China Sea Arbitration. "Since its promulgation by the Arbitral Tribunal, this Arbitral Award continues to serve as a guide for the peaceful resolution of disputes in accordance with international law and its dispute settlement mechanisms, including the 1982 United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea..." China is likely to continue sending maritime forces into the Philippine EEZ, in what analysts say is a bid to normalize their presence there. Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. is expected to continue challenging the Chinese ships and publicizing their movements. Marcos vowed in 2024 not to cede "one square inch" of Philippine territory to any foreign power. Related Articles China Appears to Pull Off Satellite Feat That NASA Has Never AchievedChina Blasts US Ally Over Spying in Air Defense ZoneIran and China Challenge US as Alliance GrowsChina's Astonishing Maglev Train Is Faster Than Most Planes 2025 NEWSWEEK DIGITAL LLC.
Newsweek
14-07-2025
- Politics
- Newsweek
US Treaty Ally Intercepts Chinese Warships Near Coast: Video
Based on facts, either observed and verified firsthand by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources. Newsweek AI is in beta. Translations may contain inaccuracies—please refer to the original content. The Philippines dispatched its coast guard over the weekend to challenge a pair of Chinese warships in the Southeast Asian country's maritime zone. Newsweek reached out to China's Foreign Ministry by email with a request for comment. Why It Matters The neighbors are locked in a territorial dispute over China's expanding coast guard and naval presence inside Manila's exclusive economic zone, an area that extends 230 miles from the Philippine territorial sea. The U.S. ally alone is entitled to patrol in the zone under the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea, to which both the Philippines and China are signatories. An estimated one-third of the world's ship-borne trade passes through the South China Sea each year. It is the subject of competing claims by several countries, including China. What To Know In a post on X (formerly Twitter), Philippine coast guard (PCG) spokesperson Jay Tarriela said the agency deployed its largest vessel, the BRP Teresa Magbanua, to intercept Chinese electronic surveillance ship the Tianwangxing. The vessel was detected about 80 miles off the coast of Cabra Island, in the Philippine province of Occidental Mindoro. This photo shows the Philippine Coast Guard tracking Type 051 guided missile destroyer the Guilin in waters off Cabra Island on July 12, 2025. This photo shows the Philippine Coast Guard tracking Type 051 guided missile destroyer the Guilin in waters off Cabra Island on July 12, 2025. Philippine Coast Guard Video released by the Philippine coast guard captured a radio broadcast informing the Chinese ship that it was not authorized to operate in those waters and ordering it to leave. The Tianwangxing did not react but its Chinese coast guard escort responded by asserting Beijing's claim to the area. As of 11:00 a.m. Saturday, the Chinese ships had been joined by a second People's Liberation Army Navy vessel—guided-missile destroyer Guilin—which deployed its onboard helicopter in what Tarriela said were landing exercises. "The PCG remains steadfast in its mission to uphold Philippine sovereignty, sovereign rights, and jurisdiction in its maritime zones, especially in the West Philippine Sea, in accordance with the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea, the 2016 Arbitral Award, and the Philippine Maritime Zones Act," Tarriela said. The West Philippine Sea is Manila's term for those parts of the South China Sea that fall within its exclusive economic zone. The arbitral award he referenced is a 2016 ruling by a Hague-based tribunal that rejected most of China's expansive maritime claims. Beijing refused to participate in the proceedings and continues to reject the ruling. Cabra Island is situated nearly 800 miles from China's southernmost province, Hainan. What People Are Saying Chinese state-affiliated think tank South China Sea Strategic Probing Initiative wrote on X: "Wow! How brave PCG is! However, what right does the PCG have to intercept a Chinese military vessel in this area?" The Philippines' Department of Foreign Affairs said in a statement Sunday: "Today, the Philippines commemorates the ninth anniversary of the landmark ruling on the South China Sea Arbitration. "Since its promulgation by the Arbitral Tribunal, this Arbitral Award continues to serve as a guide for the peaceful resolution of disputes in accordance with international law and its dispute settlement mechanisms, including the 1982 United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea..." What's Next China is likely to continue sending maritime forces into the Philippine EEZ, in what analysts say is a bid to normalize their presence there. Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. is expected to continue challenging the Chinese ships and publicizing their movements. Marcos vowed in 2024 not to cede "one square inch" of Philippine territory to any foreign power.
GMA Network
14-07-2025
- General
- GMA Network
P11.1M coral reefs damaged after Chinese ship runs aground off Pag-asa Island
At least P11.1 million worth of coral reefs in Pag-asa Reef 1 were damaged after a Chinese maritime militia vessel ran aground in the area last month, the Palawan Council for Sustainable Development said Monday. The damage assessment was carried out on June 17 by a joint team from PCSD, Western Philippines University, and the Philippine Council for Health Research and Development. The grounding occurred on June 7. In a press conference, Commodore Jay Tarriela, Philippine Coast Guard spokesperson for the West Philippine Sea, said the incident happened approximately 2.6 nautical miles from the coast of Pag-asa Island and involved a Chinese vessel with bow number 16868. While the ship managed to free itself after nearly three hours, experts confirmed the incident inflicted significant harm on the protected coral zones. Marine scientists reported that a parachute anchor, believed to have been used by the Chinese vessel, was found on-site and had severely impacted the reef. The damage was caused by the dragging of the sea anchor and/or anchor line. Protected zone violated Atty. Teodoro Jose Mata, executive director of PCSD, explained the legal framework governing the incident area. 'The location of the incident is within the core zone or the zone which is afforded maximum protection under the law, under Republic Act 7611," he said. 'No human activity is supposed to be allowed in there," he added. PCSD field biologist Mark De La Cruz presented findings from the on-site evaluation, noting that coral fragments—both hard and soft—were broken or chipped due to the dragging of the parachute anchor. 'We estimate that around 30% of the impacted area was damaged. And the yellow polygon, the anchor area, that is totally damaged," he stressed. The reef anchor site alone sustained damage across 307.75 square meters, while the impacted surrounding reef covered an additional 157.21 square meters—totaling 464.96 square meters of damaged coral. Biodiversity and fisheries at risk Dr. Benjamin Gonzalez, a marine biologist and retired professor from Western Philippines University, warned of the long-term consequences. 'The anchor parachute will continue to cover the corals, denying access to sunlight. Without sunlight, the coral reef will die," he said. 'Further contact between the parachute anchor and the reef will produce microplastic waste... Studies show microplastics are already present in fish muscles—and now, possibly in humans. Fish will have no shelter. Coral reefs are their home," he added. He added that coral reefs also serve as a coastal barrier and their destruction increases vulnerability to storm surges. NTF-WPS: China must be held accountable Meanwhile, Assistant Director General Cornelio Valencia of the National Security Council said the task force is deeply concerned over the environmental damage. 'The NTF-WPS expresses concern over this reported environmental damage caused by a Chinese vessel near Pag-asa Reef. While it did not run aground directly on the coral reef, the vessel's anchoring activity caused significant damage to the surrounding reef area." Valencia also praised the vigilance of local fisherfolk who first reported the incident. 'Their lived experience at sea reflects not only environmental risks but also daily threats to their safety, livelihood, and dignity," he added. The NTF-WPS endorsed the PCSD's recommendations to enforce environmental accountability and to implement a coral reef rehabilitation program. 'We remain committed to safeguarding the West Philippine Sea, preserving our marine ecosystems, and upholding the well-being of the communities that depend on them," Valencia added. The PCSD has recommended the imposition of P11.15 million in penalties against the Chinese vessel, based on a rate of P12,000 per square meter for both resource value and restoration costs.—AOL, GMA Integrated News
GMA Network
09-07-2025
- Climate
- GMA Network
PCG: China maritime militia ships decreased in WPS amid bad weather
The Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) on Wednesday said the number of Chinese maritime militia vessels in the West Philippine Sea (WPS) has significantly decreased due to the bad weather in the last few days. 'Dahil sa sobrang pangit na panahon sa WPS, even the Chinese maritime militia that are swarming in those areas have significantly decreased,' PCG spokesperson for WPS Commodore Jay Tarriela said at a Kapihan sa Manila Bay forum. (Due to the very bad weather in the WPS, even the Chinese maritime militia that were swarming in those areas have significantly decreased.) 'Wala na ganung karaming swarming sa Rozul Reef and also in Hasa-Hasa Shoal,' he added. (There is no more swarming in Rozul Reef and also in Hasa-Hasa Shoal.) Asked about the previous and current number of Chinese maritime militia vessels in the area, Tarriel said he does not have the numbers at the moment. On Tuesday, the Philippine Navy said the number of Chinese vessels monitored over some features in the WPS has increased in June. Philippine Navy spokesperson for WPS Rear Admiral Roy Vincent Trinidad said a total of 49 China Coast Guard (CCG) and People's Liberation Army Navy (PLAN) vessels were seen in the area. Trinidad said nine CCG vessels and 14 PLAN vessels were seen in Bajo de Masinloc; 12 CCG vessels and two PLAN vessels in Ayungin Shoal; and nine CCG vessels and three PLAN Navy vessels in Pagasa Island. 'These 49 ships were not there all the time but they were in and out of the different features,' Trinidad said. According to him, the June record was the highest reported number of Chinese vessels in the WPS compared to the 11 in January, nine in February, 35 in March, 31 in April, and 41 in May. Tensions continue as Beijing claims almost all of the South China Sea, a conduit for more than $3 trillion of annual shipborne commerce, including parts claimed by the Philippines, Vietnam, Indonesia, Malaysia, and Brunei. Parts of the South China Sea that fall within Philippine territory have been renamed by the government as West Philippine Sea to reinforce the country's claim. The West Philippine Sea refers to the maritime areas on the western side of the Philippine archipelago including Luzon Sea and the waters around, within and adjacent to the Kalayaan Island Group and Bajo de Masinloc. In 2016, the Permanent Court of Arbitration in the Hague ruled in favor of the Philippines over China's claims in the South China Sea, saying that it had "no legal basis." China has refused to recognize the decision. — BAP, GMA Integrated News
GMA Network
09-07-2025
- Politics
- GMA Network
PCG likely won't be recipient of Japanese warships —Tarriela
The JS Abukuma (DE-229) is the leader of a class of destroyer escorts capable of anti-submarine and anti-surface warfare. JMSDF website The Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) is unlikely to be an alternative recipient of the Japanese warships in case the assets are not suitable for the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP), an official of the agency said Wednesday. 'Even before we respond kung tatanggapin namin, ang tanong diyan is will the Japanese government also give that to the Coast Guard?' PCG spokesperson Commodore Jay Tarriela said at the Kapihan sa Manila Bay forum. (Even before we respond if we accept it, the question is will the Japanese government give that to the Coast Guard?') Tarriela pointed out that the Japanese government is strict in transferring military and coast guard assets to other countries. 'Mas sensitive pa ang Japan pagdating sa defense articles at saka sa Coast Guard equipment. Kapag pinag-usapan ng defense for the Japanese government, they will really stick it out to the Defense department,' he said. (Japan is more sensitive when it comes to defense articles and Coast Guard equipment. When it comes to defense for the Japanese government, they will really stick it out to the Defense department.) 'So hindi siguro mako-consider ang Coast Guard as an alternative to receive those six destroyer retired vessels ng Japanese Maritime Self-Defense Force,' he added. (So the Coast Guard is unlikely to be considered as an alternative to receiving those six destroyer retired vessels of the Japanese Maritime Self-Defense Force.) On Tuesday, the Philippine Navy said a team of experts in August will inspect the Japanese warships that are planned to be transferred to the country. 'A delegation of naval experts from the Philippine Navy will be dispatched to conduct an in-depth assessment of the ships. The outcome of this inspection will guide further deliberations on the potential acquisition and its alignment with the Philippine Navy's modernization efforts,' the Philippine Navy said. Based on a report from Japanese media on Sunday, Tokyo and Manila have agreed to the export of six used Abukuma-class destroyer escorts that were commissioned from 1989 to 1993. Classified as general-purpose destroyer escorts employed primarily for anti-submarine warfare (ASW), the 2,550-ton Abukuma class ships have been in service for over 30 years. Due to a shortage of navy personnel, they are being gradually retired and will be replaced by new ships that require fewer crew to operate, according to the Japanese media. 'If the export of these used destroyers is realized, it will be the first such case. The export of the destroyers aim to improve interoperability with the Philippine military and jointly strengthen deterrence and response capabilities against China, which is unilaterally advancing into the ocean,' the Shimbun report said. — BM, GMA Integrated News
