PUERTO PRINCESA, Philippines (AP) – A Chinese fishing vessel ran aground in stormy weather in shallow waters near Thitu Island, which is occupied by the Philippines in the contested South China Sea. Philippine military officials reported that the incident occurred on Saturday, prompting Filipino forces to remain on alert.
Philippine military and coast guard personnel were dispatched to the location after assessing that the Chinese ship appeared to have run aground due to adverse weather conditions. However, they later discovered that the vessel had been extricated from the shallows, according to regional navy spokesperson Ellaine Rose Collado. No immediate details were available regarding any injuries among the crew members or the potential damage to the ship.
The incident reflects an increase in confrontations between Chinese and Philippine coast guard and navy vessels in the disputed waters in recent years. Col. Xerxes Trinidad of the Armed Forces of the Philippines reassured reporters, stating, "The alertness of our troops is always there. But when they saw that a probable accident had happened, we tried to provide assistance as professionals in accordance with international law on helping distressed vessels at sea." He emphasized that the Philippine forces are committed to following international law at all times.
Local Filipino officials reported that villagers from Thitu Island, known locally as Pagasa, promptly notified the Philippine military and coast guard after witnessing the Chinese vessel lying in shallow waters approximately 1.5 nautical miles (2.7 kilometers) from their community. MP Albayda, a local official, expressed concerns among residents due to the proximity of the Chinese ship, attributing the grounding to strong winds and waves. He added that other Chinese vessels later assisted in towing the aground ship.
The vessel in question bore similarities to those previously identified by the Philippine military as suspected Chinese militia ships. These ships have been known to support the Chinese coast guard and navy in obstructing and harassing Philippine military and coast guard operations in these disputed waters, which serve as a significant route for global trade and commerce.
Thitu Island, which accommodates a Philippine fishing village and military presence, is the largest among nine islands and islets currently occupied by the Philippines in the South China Sea. It is located about 26 kilometers (16 miles) from Subi Reef, which China has converted into a military base alongside several other barren reefs, reinforcing its expansive territorial claims in the region.
The situation is further complicated by competing claims from Vietnam, Malaysia, Brunei, and Taiwan, creating a persistent source of tension in the region. Many observers believe that the potential for conflict could escalate to the involvement of China and the United States in a major confrontation.
While the U.S. does not claim territory in the South China Sea, it has consistently maintained that it is obligated to defend the Philippines, its long-time treaty ally, should Filipino forces, ships, or aircraft come under armed attack in the area, including the South China Sea.
