Arrogant, rude, bellicose

A dangerous blockade and collision of Chinese ships with our ships carrying supplies to the BRP Sierra Madre in Ayungin Shoal occurred last Sunday. The first incident was between a large Chinese Coast Guard and a ship contracted by the AFP to bring supplies to Ayungin. The front of the Chinese Coast Guard (CCG) and the back of the contracted ship came into contact. It shows the CCG ship deliberately running into the path of our ship. And since our ship has a destination, it doesn't need to change its course. The arrogant Chinese deliberately hit our ship because they ignored their warnings.

And just a few minutes later, a Chinese militia ship and a Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) ship collided. Of course, in both incidents, China blamed the country and accused our ships of acting in a risky manner. But there is a video of the incidents, and you can see who acted in a dangerous, provocative manner. It clearly shows how rude, arrogant, and bellicose the Chinese are.

Naturally, a diplomatic protest was filed with China regarding the incidents. But China also filed a diplomatic protest. Some senators condemned China's actions in the West Philippine Sea (WPS). Of course, you won't see the names of known supporters of China because of their loyalty to the former president. I believe that's why China is behaving the way it is in the WPS now because they lost their ally in the Palace. The administration of President Bongbong Marcos Jr. has chosen a path towards closer relations with the US.

America, Canada, and the European Union supported the country and criticized China's risky and provocative actions in the WPS. They stressed China has no legal basis to claim any part of the WPS. According to experts, the Philippines should clarify the conditions covered by the Mutual Defense Treaty (MDT). But America has said several times it will help the Philippines when China has taken armed action against military and private ships or planes. According to former National Security adviser Clarita Carlos, China is intentionally taking these aggressive actions because it wants to measure America’s response. At present, these actions do not bring the MDT into force allowing China to continue its harassment of Philippine vessels. A study of joint patrols between the Philippines and other allied countries should be discussed. It is time to see what China’s actions will be after seeing other warships in the WPS. Time to put the bully in its place.