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The Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) on Sunday accused the Chinese coast guard of conducting “dangerous and blocking maneuvers” in Bajo de Masinloc (Scarborough Shoal) in the West Philippine Sea during a nine-day patrol early this month.
Four China Coast Guard vessels with bow numbers 3105, 3302, 3063 and 3064 carried out the “dangerous and blocking maneuvers” against the PCG’s BRP Teresa Magbanua (MRRV-9701) four times and tried to cut its path twice, “recklessly” disregarding the international rules on preventing collisions at sea, the PCG said in a statement.
It said the Chinese ships also shadowed the Philippine vessel 40 times over the course of the nine-day patrol that started on Feb. 1. Four Chinese maritime militia were also spotted supporting the Chinese coast guard ship during the mission.
The PCG said the BRP Teresa Magbanua engaged the Chinese ships “professionally” through radio, “reiterating the clear and principled position of the Philippines in accordance with international law.
