CHINA denied allegations that the China Coast Guard (CCG) intentionally obstructed the medical evacuation conducted by the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) in the Ayungin Shoal, accusing Manila of distorting facts.
On Oct. 8, the CCG vessel 5306 delayed a PCG medical evacuation at Ayungin Shoal by nearly 10 hours by using a water cannon on a PCG ship.
In a statement on Friday, China’s Foreign Ministry spokesperson Mao Ning asserted that it was the PCG that entered Beijing’s territory without permission.
Mao added that the CCG took “legitimate and reasonable measures” before ultimately allowing the evacuation to proceed on humanitarian grounds.
“After communication between the two sides, out of humanitarian considerations, China gave timely permission to the Philippine side to evacuate injured personnel by small boat and provided necessary facilitation,” Mao stated.
Mao also criticized Manila for raising concerns over the encounter, saying the PCG’s account was an attempt to misrepresent the situation.
“Instead of acknowledging China’s facilitation, individual Philippine officials have distorted facts and wrongfully accused China without showing the whole picture to the public,” Mao added.
“This once again reveals their intention of provoking China and staging publicity stunts, which is rather despicable. China will not waver in responding to any provocation and safeguarding territorial sovereignty and maritime rights and interests,” Mao concluded.
The PCG has since urged China to respect humanitarian medical evacuations, emphasizing that life-saving sea missions should never face water cannon attacks, obstruction, or delays.
“When a life is at stake, there should be no water cannon, no obstruction, and no delay. Saving a sick or injured person at sea is a basic obligation that every coast guard in the world is expected to uphold. We call on the China Coast Guard to value and respect humanitarian missions moving forward, and to act in a manner consistent with international law and the professional standards expected of any coast guard,” said PCG Commandant Admiral Ronnie Gil Gavan.
