Chinese Ship Runs Aground Off Philippines-Occupied Island in South China Sea

PUERTO PRINCESA, Philippines - A Chinese ship ran aground in stormy weather in shallow waters off Thitu Island, a Philippines-occupied island in the disputed South China Sea, prompting Filipino forces to go on alert. According to Philippine military officials, the incident occurred on Saturday, and the ship was later extricated by other Chinese vessels.

Regional navy spokesperson Ellaine Rose Collado said that Philippine military and coast guard personnel deployed to provide assistance after assessing that the Chinese fishing vessel had run aground due to bad weather. However, no details were available on whether there were injuries among the crewmembers or if the ship was damaged.

The incident highlights the ongoing tensions between China and the Philippines in the disputed waters. Confrontations between Chinese and Philippine coast guard and navy ships have spiked in recent years, with the Philippines accusing China of harassment and intimidation. Despite these tensions, the Philippine military emphasized its commitment to following international law.

"We tried to provide assistance as professionals," said Col. Xerxes Trinidad of the Armed Forces of the Philippines. "We're always following international law." The Philippine military's alertness was heightened due to the proximity of the Chinese ship to Thitu Island, home to a Philippine fishing village and Filipino forces.

Local Filipino official MP Albayda said that villagers on Thitu Island, also known as Pagasa Island, immediately informed the Philippine military and coast guard after seeing the Chinese ship lying in the shallows about 1.5 nautical miles from their village. "They got worried because the Chinese were so close, but it was really the strong wind and waves that caused the ship to run aground," Albayda said.

The stricken ship resembled suspected Chinese militia ships that have backed Chinese coast guard and navy vessels in blocking and harassing Philippine coast guard and military vessels in the disputed waters. Thitu Island is the largest of nine islands and islets occupied by the Philippines, located about 26 kilometers from Subi Reef, which China transformed into an island base to reinforce its claim to virtually the entire South China Sea.

The South China Sea dispute involves multiple countries, including Vietnam, Malaysia, Brunei, and Taiwan. The United States has warned that it is obligated to defend the Philippines, a longtime treaty ally, if Filipino forces, ships, and aircraft come under armed attack in the South China Sea.