#China Coast Guard (CCG)

[celestiarambles]

Hi this may divert from my usual content, but as someone with a platform like this I need to speak up about this.

The Philippines-China maritime dispute has been going on for years now, but lately the tensions had been getting more and more worse to the point it’s super concerning now.

Here’s a bit of a history lesson: China claims that the West Philippine Sea is theirs because of the nine-dash line, but the Permanent Court of Arbitration in the Hague ruled in 2016 that that had no basis under international law. Other than that, the UN Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS) said that China’s historic rights on the territory no longer exists. So basically, the West Philippine Sea belongs to the Philippines.

However, China rejects that decision. They have harassed, intimidated, and even used armed conflict on our vessels. China Coast Guard (CCG) vessels had even used a water cannon against our ships TWICE, in which one incident resulted to getting seven Navy personnel wounded.

Worse, there are also allegations of a spy being planted here. Alice Guo, one of the mayors in Tarlac (a city in the Philippines) had mysteriously risen to power despite having no prior experience or connections whatsoever. Literally no one even knew her in her town. She just claims to live in a simple farm. However, she owns a luxury sports car and a helicopter. And somehow, everything regarding her past is inconsistent; she doesn’t know what her mother’s name was, who she grew up with, no school documents, hell she didn’t even have a birth certificate up until she was 17 years old. This was all brought up because she was involved in the criminal activities (like human trafficking, scams, etc.) of the Philippine Offshore Gaming Operator (POGO) which also has the Chinese involved.

The US has also been taking advantage of the situation by deploying 9 EDCA sites (military bases) for a supposed military pact, but former US Marine Intelligence Officer Scott Ritter has admitted to using the Philippines as a tool to gain leverage over the Chinese.

What has our government done regarding this dispute? They’re too busy infighting to focus on the bigger picture and on how to settle on an agreement with China.

I just want to take the time to speak up and make people more aware about the ongoing dispute. I know that this has been going on for several years now, but my memory and knowledge about the topic may be a bit wonky so I apologize in advance if I had said anything wrong. You can add more information regarding this or correct the information that I've given if I phrased things wrong.

Regardless, I do know one thing: the West Philippine Sea is ours.

Sources:

https://www.reuters.com/world/asia-pacific/south-china-sea-why-are-china-philippines-tensions-heating-up-2024-04-11/

https://www.youtube.com/live/aOrmFJXyAVI?si=P9rPJkJM6BF0NIbW (check 1:57:00)

[beardedmrbean]

A screenshot from video provided by the Armed Forces of the Philippines purports to show a Philippine boat forcibly towed away from its fellow Philippine fleet by two China Coast Guard boats, in the South China Sea on June 17, 2024. Credit - Armed Forces of the Philippines

The Philippine military denounced China’s latest actions in the hotly disputed South China Sea, saying that a confrontation earlier this week resulted in a Filipino navy serviceman losing a finger.

Late Wednesday local time, the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) shared a series of videos and posts on social media about the Monday incident, which it called a “brazen act of aggression.” Jay Tarriela, spokesperson for the Philippine Coast Guard, said the footage serves “as a clear indication that humanity has once again allowed barbarism to trample upon compassion.”

The AFP posts, backed by recordings, asserted that Chinese forces brandished bladed weapons, deployed tear gas, hurled rocks, and blared sirens and strobe lights to cause disorder, among other measures, at Filipino troops aboard rigid-hull inflatable boats (RHIBs). A Chinese aircraft circled overhead, the AFP added, “in a further display of excessive force and intimidation,” as the China Coast Guard (CCG) allegedly forcibly commandeered a Philippine boat.

In a press conference earlier Wednesday, AFP commander Alfonso Torres Jr. said CCG personnel “illegally boarded” the Philippine rubber boats that were conducting a routine resupply mission to the BRP Sierra Madre, a grounded vessel at the Second Thomas Shoal that has functioned as an outpost to maintain the Philippines’ claim to the shoal.

Torres also said the Chinese “looted” seven of the Philippine navy’s rifles, which were disassembled inside gun cases and were supposed to be for Filipino servicemen stationed at the BRP Sierra Madre.

Eight Philippine navy personnel reportedly sustained injuries, though the military has only confirmed one victim: a sailor whose right thumb got severed after the CCG rammed the Philippine boats.

“Because of the speed, the forward portion of the China Coast Guard’s RHIB landed on top of our troop’s RHIB, and unfortunately our troop’s hand was there,” Torres said. “It’s a relief that it wasn’t the whole hand.”

AFP chief General Romeo Brawner Jr. said the standoff, the latest in a series of escalations in the disputed waterway, marked the first time Filipino troops encountered CCG members armed with bladed weapons like bolos, knives, and spears, which they allegedly used to pierce through Philippine Navy boats. “We saw in the video how the Chinese even threatened our personnel by pointing their knives,” Brawner said.

Brawner said the AFP demands that Beijing return the disassembled rifles. “We are also demanding from them to pay for the damages that they have caused,” he added. “For me, this is piracy already… Because they boarded our boats illegally. They got our equipment. Again, based on their actions, it’s like they are pirates.”

The Philippines’ foreign affairs department said it “denounces the illegal and aggressive actions of Chinese authorities that resulted in personnel injury and vessel damage.”

China’s foreign ministry, in response to the accusations, said Wednesday that its actions against Philippine troops were “professional and restrained and aimed at stopping the illegal ‘resupply mission’,” adding that its maneuvers did not constitute “direct measures.”

The clash came just days after Beijing implemented a new administrative law that effectively authorizes the CCG to arrest foreign vessels that “illegally enter China’s territorial waters” and to detain foreign crews for up to 60 days.

But the Philippines and its allies, including the United States, continue to point to an international tribunal ruling invalidating China’s claims to the sea that China ignores.

The U.S. State Department on Monday condemned China’s actions, which it said “threatens regional peace and stability,” and reaffirmed Washington’s commitment to a mutual defense treaty with Manila, which is meant to come into effect should Philippine forces face an “armed attack.”

[head-post]

Philippine sailors seriously injured in collision in South China Sea

At least eight Philippine sailors were injured on Monday when the Chinese Coast Guard “searched” a Philippine vessel in the disputed waters of the South China Sea, Philippine media reported on Wednesday.

During a clash between the two countries’ forces in the disputed South China Sea, a member of the armed forces had his finger cut off, the Philippine media outlet Inquirer reported, citing official sources.

The Philippine military confirmed on Tuesday that a navy sailor was “severely injured” after “deliberately ramming at high speed” a Chinese Coast Guard (CCG) ship during a resupply mission.

Philippine officials also claimed that CCG personnel pierced Navy boats with their bolos and also took possession of their weapons.

“We have arms, but we did not use those. We don’t want to start a war,” the media outlet quoted Philippines chief General Romeo Brawner Jr. as saying and added their soldiers fought with bare hands to prevent CCG from hitting them.

Chinese Coast Guard personnel on Monday “blocked, boarded and searched” a Philippine vessel that “trespassed” in waters near Ren’ai, a submerged reef in the Spratly Islands in the South China Sea.

In a new escalation, the CCG forcibly removed the vessel from the disputed waters, where it “attempted to send materials to its illegally grounded warship,” the CCG said.

New Rules for Philippine Ships

It was the first incident since the CCG implemented its new rules of engagement in the vast disputed sea on Saturday. Under the new rules, China can detain suspected trespassers for up to 60 days.

The Philippine vessel was on a resupply mission for the grounded World War II warship BRP Sierra Madre on a shoal claimed by both Beijing and Manila.

Beijing accused Manila of “violating” the International Regulations for the Prevention of Collisions at Sea, while Manila called China’s claims “deceptive and misleading.”

The two maritime neighbours have conflicting claims to the Second Thomas Shoal – also known as Ayungin Shoal, Bai Co May, and Ren’ai Jiao – a submerged reef near the Spratly Islands in the South China Sea.

Read more HERE

[ricisidro]

The New World (Americas) was colonized in the 17th century. The primary colonizers included the French, Spanish, Dutch, English and Portuguese. This was also the time of the Golden Age of Piracy in the high seas.

374 years later in the South China Sea / West Philippines Sea, CCG seizes PH supplies for Ayungin Shoal in the Spratly Islands.

https://globalnation.inquirer.net/238393/china-coast-guard-seizes-ph-supplies-for-ayungin

[bismark-deasis]

The China Coast Guard (CCG) attacked ghe Philippine Vessel, M/L Kalayaan, using water cannon on a regular rotation and resupply mission to the BRP Sierra Madre. As a result, M/L Kalayaan suffers from severe engine damage.The attack occured while the PCG (Philippines Coast Guard) were conducting a regular rotation and resupply (RORE) mission to the BRP Sierra Madre in Ayungin Shoal. Along with the M/L Kalayaan, CCG (China Coast Guard) also attacked the UM1

I find this very immature for China. You cannot think that these people who attacked the M/L Kalayaan were rebels cause they are clearly government workers. What is wrong with them? It's like the Philippines is Regina George and the China is Janis Ian who has a toxic obsession to the first one. This is like similar to the old teleserye every afternoon way back 2019. The Kadenang Ginto. There's a treasure, and then 2 opposing parties were fighting for it. It's kinda sick if you ask me. Now I believe more when the poet, Margaret Atwood said that "war is what happens when language fails" because this is totally a lack of communication. China won't explain why they are doing these so Philippines will keep defending itself and they decided to just keep it that way. Have they ever wonder why one is doing one? Have they ever considered asking one another "why?"

[upismediacenter]

OPINION: SoberANYARE?: Ang Patuloy na Alitan sa West Philippine Sea

Photo credit: Sulat Nadera at Anna Dalet

Hindi na bagong isyu ang kaguluhan sa pagitan ng Pilipinas at Tsina hinggil sa West Philippine Sea (WPS). Maraming taon na ang nakalipas ngunit nabubuhay pa rin ang banta sa kabuhayan at kaligtasan ng ating mga lokal na mangingisda. Kaya kasabay ng mga bagong insidente ng karahasan nitong nakaraang buwan, bakit hindi kinikilala at pinapakinggan ang hinaing ng mga Pilipino? At bakit hindi magawa-gawang ipaglaban ng gobyerno ang ating soberanya?

Kamakailan lang nitong Pebrero 6, ibinalita ang pagtutok ng isang China Coast Guard (CCG) na barko ng military-grade laser sa Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) vessel sa Ayungin Shoal. Kasabay nito ay pinalayas ng iba pang Tsinong barko ang mga mangingisdang Pilipino sa bahagi ng karagatan kung saan sila kadalasang nangingisda. Kinumpirma ang pangyayari sa isang seminar na pinangunahan ng People’s Development Institute kung saan ibinahagi ng grupo ng mangingisda ang kanilang mga saloobin sa naganap na pagpapaalis. Bago ang nasabing insidente, ilang pag-uusap pa ang naganap upang talakayin ang isyu ng hidwaan sa WPS sa pamamagitan ng bilateral talks nang maiwasan ang paggamit ng pwersa’t pagbabanta. Gayunpaman, pagkatapos lamang ng isang buwan, muling nasaksihan ang pangha-harass ng mga naglalakihang barko ng Tsina sa mga mangingisdang Pilipino. Ilang insidente na rin ng pangha-harass ang ginawa noon gaya ng paggamit ng water cannon noong 2014, pagkumpiska sa mga huling isda noong 2018, at pagtaboy sa isang team ng ABS-CBN news noong 2021. Sa napakatagal na panahong nabubuhay ang isyu, bakit imbes na maayos ay tila lumalala lamang ang kalagayan nito?

Sa madaling salita, ito ay dahil sa kawalan ng aksyon at tugon ng pamahalaan sa isyu. Kung susuriin ang nagdaang administrasyong Duterte, minsan na nating narinig ang mga argumentong “wala tayong laban” at “ayaw natin makipag-away sa Tsina dahil sa dulo, tayo rin ang talo” pero hindi ito sapat na mga rason sapagkat makatuwiran ang paglaban sa kanilang pang-aapi. Ayon kay dating Associate Justice Antonio Carpio sa isang ANC interview, ang paggamit ng laser at iba pang armas ng Tsina ay lumalabag sa dati pang nakatakdang batas ng UN Charter na nagbabawal sa paggamit ng pwersa upang mamahala sa maritime issues. Iyon pa lamang ay sapat na rason upang ipaglaban ang karapatan ng bansa sa WPS pero sa matagal na panahong namamahala ang administrasyong Duterte ay mas pinili nilang manahimik at maging pasibo.

Kung babalikan, dalawang taon matapos maupo sa pwesto ay pinirmahan ni dating pangulo Benigno Aquino III ang Administrative Order No. 29 kung saan nakasaad dito na ang kanlurang bahagi at ang nakapaloob sa EEZ (Exclusive Economic Zone) ng Pilipinas ay papangalanang West Philippine Sea kasama na dito ang karagatan na nakapalibot sa Kalayaan Group of Island at Bajo de Masinloc o Scarborough Shoal. Ginamit ang pagpapalit ng pangalan ng WPS upang mas lalong maigiit ang ating soberanya at masanay ang mga tao na gamitin ang terminong ito. Subalit, ayon sa isang Filipino Political Scientist na si Rommel Banlaoi, mananatiling mahina at hindi kikilalanin ng ibang bansa ang terminong West Philippine Sea hangga’t walang napapasa na Maritime Law ang Pilipinas. Kaya matapos pirmahan ang Administrative Order ay ilang insidente pa rin ng pang-aapi ang lumipas hanggang sa sumunod na taon ay nagsampa na ng arbitral case ang Pilipinas laban sa Tsina.

Ilang taon din ang itinagal ng mga hearings at trials upang maipresenta ang mga argumento ng dalawang bansa, ngunit kailanman ay hindi dumalo sa mga ito ang Tsina. Iginigiit nilang sakop ng South China Sea ang West Philippine Sea dahil sa itinutulak nilang “nine-dash-line” na ayon sa Permanent Court of Arbitration (PCA) ay walang legal na basehan. Nilalabag din nito ang kasunduan sa ilalim ng United Nations Convention of the Laws of the Sea (UNCLOS) na ang 200 nautical miles na karagatan mula sa dalampasigan ng isang bansa ang bumubuo sa EEZ nito. Noong 2016, pinarangalan ng International Arbitral Tribunal ang Pilipinas sa arbitration case laban sa Tsina kung saan nangingibabaw ang desisyon ng kaso pabor sa ating bansa.

Kitang-kita na maraming ipinatupad na kasunduan upang suportahan ang karapatan ng Pilipinas sa WPS, pero bakit nahihirapan pa rin ang mga mangingisdang Pilipino na ipagpatuloy ang kanilang kabuhayan? Isang dahilan na madalas gamitin ay ang posibilidad na magsimula ng giyera kung lalaban pabalik ang Pilipinas, ngunit mas makakabuti ba na hayaan na lamang ang Tsina na patuloy na gambalahin ang mga Pilipino kahit na tayo ang nasa tama? Mas makakaiwas ba ang Pilipinas sa giyera kung simula’t sapul ay dahas na ang ipinapakita sa atin ng kabilang panig? Binigyang-diin ni Carpio na kung susundin ng kasalukuyan at susunod pang mga administrasyon ang pamamaraan ng nagdaang administrasyon, mas lalo lang mahihikayat ang Tsina na ipagpatuloy ang pangha-harass dahil nakikita nilang hindi naman aaksyon ang gobyerno upang depensahan ang kanilang mga kababayan.

Isa lamang ang alitan sa West Philippine Sea sa mga malalaking isyu na dapat ay binibigyang pansin at prayoridad ng administrasyon, ngunit ipinipikit nila ang kanilang mga mata sa hinaing ng mga mangingisdang Pilipino. Kung ang mismong mga eksperto ng international law na ang naglalahad na maaari nating ipaglaban ang ating karapatan at soberanya, mas lalo na dapat ang sarili nating gobyerno. Kinakailangan nilang ipaalala sa Tsina na ang mga kasunduang naitatag ay may saysay at nasaksihan ito ng buong mundo. Makatarungan lang na tumindig sila laban sa pang-aapi na natatanggap ng mga Pilipino dahil kung patuloy na hahayaan ng gobyerno ang panggigipit at karahasan na ginagawa ng Tsina, lalong malalagay sa peligro ang mga karapatan at kabuhayan ng bawat mamamayan. //nina Jessiemae Cadiz, Kiel Beldia, at Kairyn Cruz

Mga Sanggunian:

Administrative Order No. 29, s. 2012 | GOVPH. (2012, September 5). Official Gazette of the Republic of the Philippines. https://www.officialgazette.gov.ph/2012/09/05/administrative-order-no-29-s-2012/

Bolledo, J. (2021, August 13). At least 3 Chinese vessels spotted in West Ph sea in August – US expert. Rappler. https://www.rappler.com/nation/chinese-vessels-spotted-west-philippine-sea-august-2021/

DS Law. (n.d.). Philippines vs. China: What you need to know about the territory dispute. https://www.duranschulze.com/philippines-vs-china-what-you-need-to-know-about-the-territory-dispute/#:~:text=The%20conflict%20between%20China%20and,have%20claimed%20as%20their%20own

Fernandez, D. (2023, February 14). Ph protests Chinese Coast Guard's harassment using laser. Inquirer.net. https://globalnation.inquirer.net/210958/ph-protests-chinese-coast-guards-harassment-using-laser

Jackson, A., & France-Presse, A. (2022, October 5). In photos: Filipinos fishing on the frontline of the west philippine sea. GMA News Online. Retrieved March 2, 2023, from https://www.gmanetwork.com/news/topstories/nation/847077/filipinos-fishing-on-the-frontline-of-the-west-philippine-sea/story/

Lee-Brago, P. (2022, September 5). 'Philippines should proceed with West Philippine Sea exploration without China'. Philstar.com. https://www.philstar.com/headlines/2022/09/05/2207482/philippines-should-proceed-west-philippine-sea-exploration-without-china

Mangosing, F., & Santos, T. G. (2023, February 20). DFA chief: China harassment a 'daily situation' for ph. Inquirer.net. https://globalnation.inquirer.net/211222/dfa-chief-china-harassment-a-daily-situation-for-ph

Rappler. (2019, June 12). Timeline: Skirmishes, standoffs, harassment in West Philippine Sea. https://www.rappler.com/newsbreak/iq/232906-timeline-skirmishes-standoffs-harassment-west-philippine-sea/

Sanchez, R. (2016, July 12). Timeline: The Philippines-China maritime dispute. Rappler. https://www.rappler.com/world/139392-timeline-west-philippine-sea-dispute/

Santos, M. (2016, July 13). Key points of arbitral tribunal’s verdict on PH-China dispute | Global News. INQUIRER.net.  https://globalnation.inquirer.net/140947/key-points-arbitral-tribunal-decision-verdict-award-philippines-china-maritime-dispute-unclos-arbitration-spratly-islands-scarborough

Tomacruz, S. (2021, July 15). Duterte and the West Philippine Sea: A strategy of failed compromises. RAPPLER. Retrieved March 2, 2023, from https://www.rappler.com/newsbreak/in-depth/duterte-west-philippine-sea-strategy-failed-comprises/

Tomacruz, S. (2023, March 1). After Duterte, Marcos plays catch up in fight for West Philippine Sea. RAPPLER.  From  https://www.rappler.com/newsbreak/in-depth/ferdinand-marcos-jr-plays-catch-up-fight-west-philippine-sea-after-duterte-administration/

Rappler. (2012, September 12). ‘West PH Sea’ now official: so what? https://www.rappler.com/nation/12277-west-ph-sea-now-official-so-what

[rauthschild]

Navy chief says China ship off Lubang Island was doing innocent passage | INQUIRER.net

[firstoccupier]

Filipino Fishermen's Rescue Turns Tense in Disputed Waters

The South China Sea, a region simmering with territorial disputes, has become the stage for a heated disagreement between the Philippines and China. At the center of the controversy is a recent rescue operation involving Filipino fishermen and the actions of the Chinese Coast Guard (CCG). Here’s what we know so far: Distress at Sea: A Philippine fishing boat encountered trouble near Bajo de…

[xnewsinfo]

Chinese language coast guard personnel aboard greater than eight motorboats repeatedly rammed two Philippine navy inflatable boats on a disputed sandbar within the South China Sea, boarding and damaging their vessels with machetes, knives and hammers , in a brand new spherical of confrontation between two nations.In accordance with Philippine officers, Chinese language personnel attacked the ships to stop Philippine navy troops from transferring meals and different provides, together with firearms, to Philippine troops stationed on the Second Thomas Shoal, claimed by Beijing. CCG personnel violently tied ropes to tow the AFP RHIB whereas threatening to injure an AFP soldier with a pickaxe. In addition they used blaring sirens to create chaos, disrupt communications and divert the eye of AFP troops, exacerbating the hostile and harmful state of affairs. pic.twitter.com/a8cPaGGH8j — Armed Forces of the Philippines (@TeamAFP) June 19, 2024 After the argument and repeated collisions, Chinese language coast guard personnel jumped aboard the Philippine navy vessels and confiscated eight M4 rifles, which had been packed in bins, navigation tools and different provides, two safety officers mentioned. Filipinos to The Related Press.In addition they clashed with a number of Philippine navy personnel, injuring a number of of them, together with one who misplaced his proper thumb, safety officers mentioned. The CCG launched a brutal assault on AFP personnel aboard an AFP Inflexible Hull Inflatable Boat (RHIB), aggressively ramming it and brandishing sharp-edged weapons, explicitly threatening to hurt AFP troops. pic.twitter.com/LuFgLE3WJj — Armed Forces of the Philippines (@TeamAFP) June 19, 2024 Movies launched by the Philippine navy present Chinese language troops pointing their knives at Philippine navy personnel and their ships surrounding two Philippine navy provide ships. Sirens could be heard blaring as each troops shout at one another. The Chinese language personnel smash the Philippine boats with a pole and seize them with what gave the impression to be a bag on a stick. The CCG invaded the AFP Inflexible Hull Inflatable Boats (RHIB) already moored alongside the BRP Sierra Madre (LS57), escalating their aggression by wielding sharp weapons and explicitly threatening to hurt the Filipino troops. pic.twitter.com/huEPCBXPah — Armed Forces of the Philippines (@TeamAFP) June 19, 2024 Gen. Romeo Brawner Jr, head of the Philippine armed forces, in contrast Chinese language troops to "pirates" for his or her actions and demanded they return the rifles and tools they took throughout the skirmish."We demand that the Chinese language give us again our rifles and our tools and we additionally demand that they pay for the injury they triggered," Brawner Jr mentioned at a information convention within the western province of Palawan within the Philippines, the place he positioned a medal on an officer of the wounded marine as an indication of his bravery."They boarded our ships illegally and seized our tools. Now they're like pirates with a majority of these actions," he mentioned.Brawner Jr praised the response proven by the Philippine navy troops regardless of being outnumbered, saying that they withstood the blows of the Chinese language personnel, who had been armed with knives and machetes, with "naked palms" and drove them again."The Chinese language Coast Guard personnel had bladed weapons and our personnel fought with naked palms. We had been outnumbered and their weapons had been surprising, however our personnel fought with every little thing they'd," he wrote in an announcement on Fb on Wednesday."Our aim can also be to keep away from warfare," he added.The Philippine Overseas Ministry, in an announcement, "denounced the unlawful and aggressive actions of the Chinese language authorities that triggered accidents to personnel and injury to ships."In response to the incident, China, nevertheless, blamed the Philippines for the skirmish, stating that Philippine navy troops "invaded" the sandbar regardless of repeated warnings from the Chinese language Coast Guard."That is the direct reason behind the incident. The Chinese language coast guard on web site has taken skilled regulation enforcement measures with restraint geared toward stopping the unlawful provide mission of the Philippine vessels and no direct measures had been taken in opposition to the Filipino personnel." mentioned the Chinese language. Overseas Ministry spokesman Lin Jian mentioned at a information convention in Beijing.Then again, the USA, which has a contentious relationship with China, mentioned it was obliged to defend the Philippines, Washington's ally.Second Thomas Shoal, also referred to as Ayungin Shoal, is a submerged reef within the Spratly Islands of the South China Sea, which China claims in its entirety. Different nations, together with Taiwan and Vietnam, even have territorial claims to the busy waterway.The Philippine Navy maintains a presence at Second Thomas Shoal by stationing lower than a dozen marine personnel on the 100-meter-long World Struggle II-era Philippine Navy touchdown craft 'Sierra Madre' , which intentionally ran aground on the atoll in 1999 in response to China's recapture of Mischief Reef.The Philippines claims the atoll is a part of its continental shelf, whereas China, Brunei, the Philippines, Malaysia and Vietnam declare components of the Spratly island group, the place the Second Thomas Financial institution is situated.(with contributions from The Related Press)Revealed by: Prateek ChakrabortyRevealed in: June 20, 2024

[rhk111sblog]

You have probably seen this TikTok Video already by Timothy James and how he broke down the supposed “Collision” between the China Coast Guard (CCG) Vessel and a Philippine Vessel. James is a former Surface Warfare Officer (SWO) of the United States Navy (USN), so he knows what he is talking about.

In case you haven’t seen it yet, then this is a Must Watch Video, all Filipinos should go and watch it. I also stitched a second Video of his where he talked a little bit more about the Incident.

Here are the Links to Timothy James’ TikTok Account and Videos:

US Navy Officer shares Thoughts on Collision of Chinese and Philippine Vessels

Timothy James TikTok Account

[ultrajaphunter]

Turns out the ChineZe Coast Guard attack yesterday against the Filipino resupply mission to the BRP Sierra Madre in the 2nd Thomas Shoal was more aggressive than initially thought. They overpowered the Filipino military personnel on one of the boats and confiscated the crew’s firearms. A Filipino sailor lost host finger and many more were wounded from water cannons and ChineZe ramming operations. The ChineZe Coast Guard towed one the Filipino boats away and stopped all 4 from resupplying the Filipino crew on the Sierra Madre. The 2nd Thomas Shoal is within Filipino waters, only 250 km away from the main Philippine islands, but nearly 1000 knows away from the nearest ChineZe Territory.

For context, this is the location of the reef. China is asserting their right to attack vessels that approach a reef over *800 miles* from their mainland.

#China ships ram, tow #Philippines vessels at Ayungin Shoal Chinese ships rammed and towed Philippine vessels on a rotation and resupply (Rore) mission to Ayungin (Second Thomas) Shoal on Monday, causing damage and endangering the lives of Filipino sailors, Philippine officials said.

The National Task Force for the West Philippine Sea accused the People’s Liberation Army-Navy (PLA-N), China Coast Guard (CCG) and Chinese maritime militia (CMM) vessels of engaging in “dangerous maneuvers, including ramming and towing,” without going into the details of the incident. “We strongly condemn the illegal, aggressive and reckless actions of the PLA-N, CCG and CMM.

Their actions put at risk the lives of our personnel and damaged our boats, in blatant violation of international law, particularly the United Nations Charter, the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea and the 2016 Arbitral Award,” the task force said.

[swldx]

BBC 0411 4 Jun 2024

12095Khz 0358 4 JUN 2024 - BBC (UNITED KINGDOM) in ENGLISH from TALATA VOLONONDRY. SINPO = 55444. English, dead carrier (with substantial 50hz hum) s/on @0358z then ID@0359z, a very short break in transmission just before pips and newsday preview (hum goes away but slowly returns, along with audio volume). @0401z World News anchored by Stewart Macintosh. Votes are being counted after hundreds of millions of Indians voted to choose their new government. The world's biggest election was held in seven phases over six weeks with almost a billion people registered to vote. A party or alliance that wins more than 272 seats in the 543-member parliament can form the government. Prime Minister Narendra Modi is eyeing a rare third consecutive term for himself and his Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP). The US says it has submitted a draft resolution to the UN Security Council supporting the ceasefire plan outlined by President Biden. The three-phase plan involves an end to the conflict, the release of the hostages and reconstruction of the Palestinian territory. Israel has strong domestic reasons for wanting to take this deal step by step. But Hamas is unlikely to give up its most politically sensitive hostages (women, wounded, elderly) without some kind of guarantee that Israel won’t simply restart the war once they’re home. Millions of Nigerians are without electricity after the national grid was shut down as part of a general strike over the rising cost of living. Many flights have also been cancelled in the country's busiest airport in Lagos, and in the capital, Abuja, with passengers left stranded. Unions are demanding a huge increase in the minimum wage, saying workers cannot survive on the current rate of 30,000 naira (£18; $22) a month. The government is offering to double this but security guard Mallam Magaji Garba tells the BBC that this would not even be enough to buy a 50kg bag of rice, which he needs to feed his family each month. Defeated Mexican opposition candidate Xochitl Galvez complained Monday of "unequal competition" in the country's presidential election, won by the ruling party's Claudia Sheinbaum. The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) on Tuesday denied the claim by Chinese state media that Filipino troops stationed at BRP Sierra Madre in Ayungin (Second Thomas) Shoal pointed guns at the China Coast Guard (CCG). Chinese broadcaster CCTV reported on Sunday that at least two personnel onboard BRP Sierra Madre pointed guns in the direction of CCG. The AFP rejected the accusation, saying its personnel “acted with the highest level of professionalism, restraint, and discipline.” China's lunar probe lifts-off from Moon with rocks from the far side. Unlike its predecessor, Chang'e-5, which collected samples from the near side of the moon, Chang'e-6 faced the additional challenge of operating without direct communication with ground stations on Earth. @0406z "Newsday" begins. Backyard fence antenna w/MFJ-1020C active antenna (used as a preamplifier/preselector), JRC NRD-535D. 250kW, beamAz 315°, bearing 63°. Received at Plymouth, MN, United States, 15359KM from transmitter at Talata Volonondry. Local time: 2258.

[xtruss]

G7 Stirs-up South China Sea Issue Once Again In Attempt To Create Chaos In Asia And Suppress China

— Wang Wenwen | April 20, 2024

Illustration: Chen Xia/Global Times

Once again, the G7 has pointed its accusing finger at China. The group’s Italy 2024 Foreign Ministers’ Statement issued on Friday claimed, “There is no legal basis for China’s expansive maritime claims in the South China Sea, and we oppose China’s militarization, coercive and intimidation activities in the South China Sea.”

The club of so-called great powers in the West, the G7, which closely follows the footsteps of the US, reckons that it has the right to interfere in the affairs between China and neighboring countries. It ignores China’s legitimate and reasonable claims on the South China Sea and blindly discredits China. Sun Xihui, an associate research fellow with the National Institute of International Strategy at the Chinese Academy of Social Sciences, told the Global Times that the objective of the G7 is to create an image of a “bullying” China on the world stage, thereby suppressing China's development.

China's law enforcement actions related to the South China Sea islands and reefs are within the scope of China's sovereign rights. Its exercise of sovereignty and jurisdiction over the Huangyan Dao (Huangyan Island) and Ren'ai Jiao (Ren’ai Reef) are established on firm legal basis and undisputable. This has nothing to do with the so-called militarization in its true sense, because militarization means not only strengthening military construction, but also clearly issuing military threats to the other party.

China’s use of its coast guard to exercise jurisdiction over islands, reefs and waters within the scope of sovereignty is a common practice. This practice is not limited to China, therefore the argument that China is "militarizing" the South China Sea is simply untenable, according to Zhou Shixin, director of the Institute for Foreign Policy Studies at the Shanghai Institute for International Studies.

Since last year, the tensions between China and the Philippines have been flared up by the Philippines to make illegal claims over South China Sea islands and maritime rights. On March 5, two Philippine supply ships and two coast guard ships illegally intruded into the waters near Ren'ai Jiao in the South China Sea. They attempted to deliver supplies to a military vessel illegally "grounded" at Ren'ai Jiao. The China Coast Guard (CCG) took necessary measures to deal with the Philippine ships in accordance with domestic and international law. On March 21, 34 Philippine personnel landed on Tiexian Jiao (Tiexian Reef) in the South China Sea, ignoring warning and dissuasion from the Chinese side. Regarding such violations, the CCG lawfully landed on the reef to investigate and address the situation. If similar incidents happen to G7 countries, they are likely to deal with it in a radical way, unlike China in a restraint manner.

Regarding the South China Sea issue, and in particular the dispute between China and the Philippines, the historical latitude and longitude and sovereignty ownership issues are very clear. Anthony Carty, an Irish professor of international law, spent years examining official British and French archives and found they back China's maritime claims. Member of the London Court of International Arbitration Mark Hoskin believes that historical records support China's claims in the South China Sea 100 percent.

However, Western countries deliberately turned a blind eye and are now seeking to blame China. They refused to explain the origins of the dispute to the international community, nor have they called out the Philippines' provocation against China. This gives Manila the illusion of being supported by the West and Manila is pushed to the front line of the West’s confrontation with China. The West uses this method to contain China and sow discord between China and ASEAN countries, thus bringing chaos to the Asia-Pacific region.

Zhou thinks that chaos in Asia may not be what the Philippines wants to see, but it is what the US and the Western countries is pushing for. The stability in Asia is in sharp contrast to the havoc Europe is currently mired in, as the Europe has become bogged down in the Ukraine crisis, with no end in sight. This combined with the West's influence declining at the global level. G7, the Western club with weakened authority in discussing the global economy and narrowing political representation, can only flame the flames of public opinion by issuing anti-China statements.

For the Philippines, it would be a tragedy to find itself acting as a Ukraine-style pawn of the West. It is hoped that the Philippine government and society will have a clear understanding in this regard and will not become cannon fodder for the G7 to confront China.

— The Author is An Editor with the Global Times.

[ricisidro]

🇵🇭 The Philippines accuses 🇨🇳 China of damaging its vessel in the disputed South China Sea shoal | Reuters 

#ScarboroughShoal #BajoDeMasinloc #WestPhilippineSea #SouthChinaSea #ChineseVessel #CCG #PCG #PhilippineCoastGuard #MaritimeMilitia #ChineseMilitia

https://www.channelnewsasia.com/asia/chinas-coast-guard-expels-philippine-vessels-scarborough-shoal-state-media-says-4302206

[renesf]

Even The Chinese Coast Guard Is Hounded By NAIA’s “Tanim Bala” Reputation (Video)

(Adobo Chronicles’ senior geopolitical correspondent Brian Neyra contributed to this report) Foreign tourists, and now the Chinese Coast Guard continue to be hounded by NAIA’s reputation of “tanim bala” (planted bullets). Moments after Filipino marine scientists conducted a resource assessment of reefs in the South China Sea, the CCG inspected the islands to make sure the Filipinos didn’t…

[wikiuntamed]

Top 5 @Wikipedia pages from yesterday: Tuesday, 6th February 2024

Welcome, hoş geldiniz, tervetuloa, καλωσόρισμα (kalosórisma) 🤗 What were the top pages visited on @Wikipedia (6th February 2024) 🏆🌟🔥?

1️⃣: Toby Keith "Toby Keith Covel (July 8, 1961 – February 5, 2024), known professionally as Toby Keith, was an American country music singer, songwriter, record producer, and actor. In the 1990s, he released his first four studio albums—Toby Keith (1993), Boomtown (1994), Blue Moon (1996) and Dream Walkin'..."

Image by Sgt. 1st Class Raymond Drumsta

2️⃣: Tracy Chapman "Tracy Chapman (born March 30, 1964) is an American singer-songwriter. Chapman is best known for her hit singles "Fast Car" (1988) and "Give Me One Reason" (1995). She was signed to Elektra Records by Bob Krasnow in 1987. The following year she released her debut album, Tracy Chapman, which became a..."

Image licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0? by

Hans Hillewaert

3️⃣: China Coast Guard "China Coast Guard (CCG; Chinese: 中国人民武装警察部队海警总队), colloquially recognized as the Haijing (海警), is the maritime security, search and rescue, and law enforcement service branch of the People's Armed Police of China. ..."

Image by 解放的高加索

4️⃣: Griselda Blanco "Griselda Blanco Restrepo (February 15, 1943 – September 3, 2012), known as the Black Widow or Cocaine Godmother, was a Colombian drug lord who was prominent in the cocaine-based drug trade and underworld of Miami, US, during the 1970s through the early 2000s, and who has also been claimed by some to..."

Image by Metro Dade Police Department

5️⃣: XXXTentacion "Jahseh Dwayne Ricardo Onfroy (January 23, 1998 – June 18, 2018), known professionally as XXXTentacion, was an American rapper and singer-songwriter. Though a controversial figure due to his widely publicized legal troubles, XXXTentacion gained a cult following among his young fanbase during his..."

Image by State of Florida