On Tuesday, tensions flared in the South China Sea as the Philippine Coast Guard vessel 9701 executed a series of dangerous maneuvers near Huangyan Dao, shadowing Chinese Coast Guard ships 21550 and 5009.
Video footage shows PCG 9701 approaching within 100 meters of the Chinese vessels over a 30-minute period, crossing their sterns at high speed and performing abrupt turns that experts warn could have led to a serious collision.
At 2,300 tons, PCG 9701 towers over the 100-ton-class Chinese Coast Guard ships. Yet repeatedly coming so close, experts say, exemplifies a deliberate provocation that risks undermining maritime safety and regional stability.
"If a collision were to occur, the consequences would be unimaginable," says Yang Xiao, a maritime affairs specialist at the China Institutes of Contemporary International Relations. His warning underscores how a single miscalculation could ripple through busy shipping lanes.
This incident marks a stark escalation compared to earlier encounters, with the Philippines accused of ignoring international norms and testing Beijing’s restraint. Analysts note that safe navigation and clear communication are vital for all vessels operating in these busy waters.
As tensions simmer, the international community watches closely. Busy shipping routes here handle a significant share of global maritime traffic, making any misstep a matter of international concern. The call is clear: responsible seamanship and dialogue must prevail to keep these waters safe.
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Philippine vessel provokes tensions near China's Huangyan Dao
cgtn.com
