“The Philippine vessels were secretly carrying construction materials, weapons and even equipment and deliberately rammed the Chinese vessels,” Lin said.
He said the Filipino personnel “splashed water and threw objects at Chinese enforcement officers,” actions that “clearly escalated tensions at sea and seriously threatened the safety of Chinese personnel and vessels.”
02:34
Chinese and Philippine ships collide for first time under Beijing’s new coast guard law
Chinese and Philippine ships collide for first time under Beijing’s new coast guard law
Lin’s comments came after Manila released footage on Wednesday showing Chinese troops using tear gas, destroying equipment and brandishing weapons.
The Philippine military called the incident a “brazen act of aggression” and accused the Chinese coast guard of “using physical attacks, bladed weapons, siren sounds and blinding strobe lights.”
The ministry accused the Chinese of carrying out a “deliberate high-speed collision” and said eight Philippine sailors were injured in the collision, including one who lost a thumb.
According to the Philippine military, Chinese coast guard personnel “brandished knives and sharp weapons, [Philippine] army”.
It also said the Chinese coast guard’s “coercive, aggressive and barbaric actions” had caused serious damage to the Philippine vessel, including its communication and navigational equipment.
Philippine Navy spokesman Roy Trinidad said on Thursday that the Chinese personnel had behaved like a “group of barbarians,” Reuters reported.
“We were not prepared for that kind of response,” Trinidad said. “We adhered to the rules of engagement. They were not allowed to use their guns except in self-defense.”
He said China’s “illegal, aggressive and deceptive” actions were increasing the risk of miscalculation at sea.
02:37
Philippine Navy admiral at the center of “New Deal” furor breaks silence on alleged South China Sea deal
Philippine Navy admiral at the center of “New Deal” furor breaks silence on alleged South China Sea deal
But Lin said the Philippines’ comments were a “total distortion of the facts” and an attempt to “shift the blame”.
“The Philippine side has trespassed into the waters of Ren’ai Reef without China’s permission,” he said, referring to the Chinese name for the reef, known in the Philippines as Ayungin Reef.
“The Chinese side has taken necessary measures in accordance with the law to safeguard its sovereignty, which are legitimate, legitimate and conducted in a professional and restrained manner.”
“We call on the Philippine side to immediately cease its maritime infringements and provocative actions or the Philippine side will bear the consequences.”
