Endless intrusion

The locations do not seem to matter. Chinese ships habitually intrude into our waters seemingly without fear of repercussions. First, we have the MV Zhonhai 68 which is classified as a dredging ship. The ship was sighted illegally operating in the waters off Bataan. The same ship was also spotted in the waters off Zambales last year along with another dredging ship. Why is this ship able to repeatedly operate in our waters? Is it because they are allowed to do so? According to the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG), it will formally file a seizure order against the ship that failed to show proper documentation and even turned off its transponder. A transponder identifies the ship and transmits its location to help in avoiding collisions. The dredger did not want its location known to anyone. It is also possible other dredging ships may be operating in the country without proper authorization.

In the eastern part of the country, the research vessel Jia Geng anchored off the shores of Bato, Catanduanes. The ship entered our exclusive economic zone last January 25. They requested diplomatic clearance to seek shelter from January 28 to February 2 due to "bad weather and sea conditions". But no weather disturbance was observed in the said area. We are no longer strangers to such ludicrous reasoning from the Chinese. Do you recall the Yuemaobinyu 42212 that collided with Gem Ver 1 because "Filipino fishing ships were chasing them"? It turns out nothing of the sort happened based on satellite images. It was just an excuse to hide their bad actions. This is not the first time the Jia Geng has entered the country. It was spotted off Cagayan in September last year because of the same weather and sea condition.

The Jia Geng captain also denied the PCG to board its vessel citing COVID-19 health protocols. How convenient. The ship sailed last Monday and was followed by a Philippine Navy plane to monitor its voyage out of Philippine waters. But while it was clear they violated our maritime laws, we did nothing. There is no end to Chinese maritime intrusions all over the country. What is their keen interest in the Philippine Rise that they cannot seem to stop coming back despite its distance from their mainland? Is it because they are always assured of permission from this administration?

Beijing recently issued a go-ahead to all its coast guard ships to use any means necessary to defend their sovereignty and sovereign rights over the entire South China Sea. That includes the use of available weapons. This is how they assert their claim to the whole ocean but have no respect for the maritime laws of other countries. From dredging various locations to surveying areas that have the potential to serve their needs. Isn't that an abuse of friendship?