China told the Philippines to “stop provocations.” A week earlier its coast guard hit a Philippine fisheries ship.
On September 18, near Sabina Shoal, China Coast Guard vessel 21585 struck BRP Datu Magat Salamat during a fuel run for Filipino fishermen. Manila released deck video and smashed starboard railings. Beijing said the smaller ship cut across its bow and offered no independent proof. That is the same playbook as years of ramming, blocking, and water cannon against Philippine boats.
Six days later, China intercepted a resupply to troops on the grounded navy ship at Second Thomas Shoal and stopped the mission. On September 25, Beijing demanded Manila “immediately stop all acts of provocation.”Then the script: Manila staged a collision and played victim. Japan should stop “sowing discord.” A drill near Scarborough Shoal was cover for “infringement.”
In every Chinese account, the other side provoked and China acted lawfully. The same week, Manila counted 35 Chinese navy and coast guard ships around four disputed reefs. Crowd the water. Make contact. Blame the smaller ship.
$RUNE $COW $KITE
On September 18, near Sabina Shoal, China Coast Guard vessel 21585 struck BRP Datu Magat Salamat during a fuel run for Filipino fishermen. Manila released deck video and smashed starboard railings. Beijing said the smaller ship cut across its bow and offered no independent proof. That is the same playbook as years of ramming, blocking, and water cannon against Philippine boats.
Six days later, China intercepted a resupply to troops on the grounded navy ship at Second Thomas Shoal and stopped the mission. On September 25, Beijing demanded Manila “immediately stop all acts of provocation.”Then the script: Manila staged a collision and played victim. Japan should stop “sowing discord.” A drill near Scarborough Shoal was cover for “infringement.”
In every Chinese account, the other side provoked and China acted lawfully. The same week, Manila counted 35 Chinese navy and coast guard ships around four disputed reefs. Crowd the water. Make contact. Blame the smaller ship.
$RUNE $COW $KITE
