MANILA, Philippines — 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, 2026, the CCG vessel 5306 delayed a PCG medical evacuation at Ayungin Shoal by nearly 10 hours by using a water cannon.
In a statement on Friday, China’s foreign ministry spokesman Mao Ning asserted that it was the PCG that entered Beijing’s territory without permission.
“Yesterday morning, a Philippine Coast Guard vessel, without China's permission, intruded the adjacent waters of Ren'ai Jiao, Nansha Qundao of China,” said Mao, referring to the Chinese name of Ayungin Shoal.
Mao added that the CCG took "legitimate and reasonable measures" before ultimately allowing the evacuation to proceed on humanitarian grounds.
