MANILA, Philippines – A day after announcing that “dangerous maneuvers” by the China Coast Guard and the Chinese Maritime Militia led to collision incidents with Philippine vessels on a resupply mission to Ayungin Shoal, top Philippine government officials in Manila on Monday, October 23 slammed Beijing’s “distortion of the truth.”

It’s the first time that vessels either owned or sanctioned by the Philippine and Chinese governments collided in waters near Ayungin Shoal in the West Philippine Sea, a flashpoint for tensions between the two countries.

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In separate press conferences, Philippine defense, security, and diplomatic officials announced their actions after the Unaiza May 2 boat and the BRP Cabra were hit by Chinese ships. Manila, for the third time in 2023, summoned Chinese Ambassador Huang Xilian. President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., meanwhile, ordered the Philippine Coast Guard to probe the damage that China did on the two vessels.

Rappler’s Bea Cupin recaps how the Philippines has responded to China’s latest actions, and what it could do next. – Rappler.com

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