The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) clarified that its personnel did not point guns at the China Coast Guard during an incident at Ayungin Shoal. The AFP stated that their soldiers were simply 'on guard' as the China Coast Guard ventured 'dangerously close' to the BRP Sierra Madre. This incident occurred on April 30 during the Balikatan exercise with American and Philippine armed forces. The Chinese state media, Global Times, issued warnings that any provocation against Chinese law enforcement personnel would be a violation of Chinese sovereignty and could lead to military confrontation in Ren'ai Jiao.
"The incident, which took place April 30 during the Balikatan exercise w/American & Philippine armed forces, is just 1 example of what has become a commonplace occurrence—Chinese aggression in areas the Philippines considers its territory" https://t.co/oLr4wKQTcI
#Opinion: The US has been ignoring China's warnings and continues to provoke China, essentially fueling "Taiwan independence" activities. The US' sinister intentions are leading the Taiwan region into a dangerous situation. https://t.co/0aYWFrZTBr https://t.co/Lp7gwl7jTr
#Opinion: The Philippine military, coast guard and personnel on site must be warned that any provocation against the personal safety of the Chinese law enforcement personnel is a clear violation of Chinese sovereignty. https://t.co/jJ19beyV0B
#Opinion: If the Philippines initiates provocation first and China responds in self-defense, leading to a military confrontation or even armed conflict, then Manila must bear full responsibility for any unforeseen and uncontrollable consequences in Ren'ai Jiao and its nearby… https://t.co/cnlpKSUfKP
AFP: Soldiers in Ayungin Shoal didn’t point gun at China Coast Guard https://t.co/E2EtOavzBW via @rapplerdotcom
UPDATED. The AFP says its personnel were simply 'on guard' because the China Coast Guard ventured 'dangerously close' to the BRP Sierra Madre. https://t.co/eNN0wvnG6W