In a social media post, PCG spokesman for the West Philippine Sea Commodore Jay Tarriela said the Philippines had consistently called on the Chinese government to respect the Colregs.
He was referring to the International Regulations for Preventing Collisions at Sea published by the International Maritime Organisation, under which the Philippines and China are signatories.
“We have also emphasised that such reckless behaviour at sea could ultimately lead to accidents,” Tarriela said.
03:09
Chinese ships collide during clash with Philippine coastguard in contested South China Sea
Chinese ships collide during clash with Philippine coastguard in contested South China Sea
Richard Thomas, a defence analyst, wrote on the Naval Technology news website that had the destroyer rammed either of the two smaller coastguard vessels midway between bow and stern, the outcome would have been “catastrophic” and the damage could potentially have led to “sinking and significant loss of life”.
