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Manila Bulletin devider Philippines devider National devider China: PH's actions in Scarborough are of 'a malign nature'

China: PH's actions in Scarborough are of 'a malign nature'

Published Aug 12, 2025 09:12 am
China’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs hit the Philippines anew about the recent confrontation between the China Coast Guard (CCG) and Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) off the disputed Scarborough (Panatag) Shoal on Monday, Aug. 11.

Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman Lin Jian (Photo from the Foreign Ministry Affairs of China)
Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman Lin Jian (Photo from the Foreign Ministry Affairs of China)
In a transcript of the ministry’s regular press briefing on Monday, MFA spokesman Lin Jian emphasized China’s rights to safeguard what it calls its “territorial sovereignty and maritime rights and interests.”

“The Philippines’ moves seriously infringed upon China’s sovereignty and rights and interests, and seriously harmed peace and stability at sea. These moves are of a malign nature,” he claimed.

Lin was referring to Monday’s incident, wherein PCG vessel BRP Suluan (MRV 4406) evaded a water cannon attack by a CCG ship.

PCG spokesperson for West Philippine Sea Affairs Commodore Jay Tarriela said the ship was among the vessels deployed there for a mission for Filipino fishermen.

He described the encounter as “hazardous maneuvers and blocking actions” by the “other vessels in the vicinity.”

Lin, however, countered that it were the multiple PCG vessels and fishing vessels that intruded into China’s waters.

He also claimed that “Philippine military aircraft also intruded into the air space of Huangyan Dao.”

“Facts have proven once again that the Philippines’ intentional infringement and provocative activities at sea are the root cause for the tensions,” the official said.

“China urges the Philippines to stop the infringement and provocative activities at once and refrain from challenging China’s firm resolve to safeguard our lawful rights and interests,” he added.

The Philippines and China have repeatedly clashed over the resource-rich region as the latter continues to claims almost the entire South China Sea, including the exclusive economic zones (EEZs) belonging to the Philippines.

This despite a 2016 Arbitral Tribunal that invalidated the basis of China’s claims. Beijing, however, rejects the ruling.

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China Coast Guard Scarborough Shoal PCG Lin Jian
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