Coast Guard spokesperson Jay Tarriela said coast guard and navy boats were harassed by Chinese vessels, despite having informed them the operation was of a medical nature. "The barbaric and inhumane behaviour displayed by the China Coast Guard has no place in our society," Tarriela said in a statement. Tarriela said the Chinese coast guard "engaged in dangerous manoeuvres and even intentionally rammed" a navy boat while it was transporting the sick personnel. Another attempt was made the next day with the help of the Philippine coast guard and the soldier was successfully evacuated, Brawner said. China routinely accuses the Philippines of encroachment while Manila and its allies have condemned what they calls aggression by Beijing.

Source: The Standard June 07, 2024 15:32 UTC