Will more assertive Philippine approach to South China Sea pay off in long run?
- Manila is trying to give its maritime confrontations with China maximum publicity in the hope of gaining more international support
- Some observers question whether this approach will prompt a change in Chinese behaviour
Each time, they have complained about China’s coastguards and maritime militia obstructing their journey to the disputed reef in the South China Sea or making dangerously close passes.
The Philippines said afterwards that the incident had damaged the boat’s engines, “disabling the vessel and seriously endangering the lives of its crew”.
It followed a similar collision in late October, again involving a Chinese coastguard ship and supply vessel.
“I believe that our effort in the transparency initiative has been very successful in rallying support from the international community to condemn the illegal actions of China and to make the Filipino people aware of what’s happening,” Commodore Jay Tarriela, a spokesman for the coastguard, said last month after another confrontation where Chinese forces used water cannons against Philippine ships.