Philippines slams ‘reckless' Chinese ships over collision at Scarborough Shoal
In a social media post, PCG spokesman for the West Philippine Sea Commodore Jay Tarriela said the Philippines had consistently called on the Chinese government to respect the Colregs. He was referring to the International Regulations for Preventing Collisions at Sea published by the International Maritime Organisation, under which the Philippines and China are signatories.
'We have also emphasised that such reckless behaviour at sea could ultimately lead to accidents,' Tarriela said.
During the incident in the
South China Sea on Monday, a Chinese navy 052D/Luyang MoD III guided missile destroyer hit a vessel from its coastguard while they were chasing the PCG's BRP Suluan.
Richard Thomas, a defence analyst, wrote on the Naval Technology news website that had the destroyer rammed either of the two smaller coastguard vessels midway between bow and stern, the outcome would have been 'catastrophic' and the damage could potentially have led to 'sinking and significant loss of life'.
Tarriela said: 'Our thoughts are with the Chinese coastguard personnel who may have been injured in this incident.'
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