Filipino Fisherman Confronts Chinese Coast Guard in South China Sea

Incident Tests Efforts to Deescalate Tensions in Disputed Waters

Filipino fishing boat captain, Joely Saligan, reported a confrontation with the Chinese coast guard in the disputed South China Sea, where he was ordered to dump his catch back to sea.
The incident, which occurred on January 12, is testing efforts by China and the Philippines to deescalate tensions in the region.
Saligan and his crew were collecting seashells and fish for food when they were approached by five Chinese coast guard personnel, three of them armed with steel batons, who ordered them to leave.
Saligan asserted Philippine sovereign rights, telling the Chinese coast guard personnel, 'This is Philippine territory. Go away.'
Philippine coast guard spokesman, Commodore Jay Tarriela, confirmed the accuracy of Saligan's statements and said a report would be submitted for possible actions, including the filing of a new diplomatic protest against China.