In a fresh escalation in the South China Sea, the China Coast Guard (CCG) has formally urged the Philippines to halt "infringement activities, provocations and false accusations" in the waters off Ren'ai Jiao. The call came after the grounded vessel No. 57, operated by Philippine forces, released two small boats that approached China Coast Guard ships despite repeated warnings.
CCG spokesperson Gan Yu emphasized that lawful and appropriate action was taken to protect China’s sovereignty and maritime rights. Gan stated that the CCG will continue "to enforce the law in the waters of Ren'ai Jiao" and appealed to the Philippines to cease what Beijing views as destabilizing maneuvers.
Ren'ai Jiao, known internationally as Second Thomas Shoal, sits at a strategic location in the South China Sea and has been a flashpoint for territorial disputes. Here, overlapping claims challenge regional stability, with the Philippines seeking legal recourse and international support while China maintains its presence under the nine-dash line.
According to open-source tracking, at least five similar shadowing or interception events were recorded between both sides in the past year, underscoring persistent tensions in one of the world’s busiest shipping lanes. Analysts suggest that sustained dialogue and confidence-building measures could offer a path to de-escalation.
As regional stakeholders watch closely, this latest exchange will likely shape future maritime engagements. For now, the CCG’s message is clear: Beijing intends to maintain a firm patrol around Ren'ai Jiao.
Reference(s):
China Coast Guard urges Philippines to stop infringement, provocations
cgtn.com
