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China’s coast guard claimed they allowed the Philippines to evacuate an ill soldier from a rusting warship on the contested Second Thomas Shoal on humanitarian grounds. However, the Philippine coast guard called this claim “ridiculous” and accused China of illegal vessel deployment in their Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ).
The two countries have been in dispute over the Spratly Islands, the Second Thomas Shoal, and Sabina Shoal in the South China Sea, with tensions rising over conflicting territorial claims.
The Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) spokesperson denounced China’s actions as illegal and inhumane, accusing them of obstructing a medical evacuation mission. Despite China’s statement that they monitored the operation at the Philippines’ request, the PCG reported obstructive maneuvers by the Chinese coast guard during the evacuation.
The incident highlights the ongoing maritime disputes in the region and the challenges faced by countries asserting their territorial claims.
Additional reporting by agencies