PCG denies deal with China on maritime cooperation“As far as the PCG is concerned, based on my last conversation with the commandant, we are not involved in crafting this coast guard cooperation with China, specifically regarding plans for joint patrols,” PCG spokesman on West Philippine Sea issues Rear Admiral Jay Tarriela said on Friday. MANILA, Philippines — The Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) has distanced itself from a supposed maritime cooperation with China, including on joint patrols in the West Philippine Sea, as announced by the Chinese ambassador. According to Chinese Ambassador Jing Quan, the draft coast guard cooperation agreement between the Philippines and China is 95 percent complete and could be finalized after the next round of political dialogues. The Chinese Coast Guard (CCG) has repeatedly engaged the PCG in confrontations at sea, resorting to dangerous maneuvers and even water cannon attacks to intimidate or drive away PCG vessels and fishing boats. He said his flight received radio challenges from China warning them that they were entering “Chinese airspace.”“I saw with my own eyes, the Chinese Coast Guard and Chinese militia presence.

Source: Philippine Star March 21, 2026 19:02 UTC