Finland’s Embassy in the Philippines joined six other foreign missions in condemning the reported ramming and water-cannon use by Chinese Coast Guard and militia vessels against Philippine ships near Pag-asa Island. Finnish Ambassador Saija Nurminen echoed concerns and urged respect for international law.
According to Philippine authorities, a China Coast Guard vessel used a high-pressure water cannon and later struck the stern of BFAR vessel BRP Datu Pagbuaya on 12 October, causing minor damage but no injuries. The incident occurred during a humanitarian mission for Filipino fishers.
The Philippines’ National Maritime Council condemned the actions as “illegal and reckless,” while the Department of Foreign Affairs said it will file a diplomatic protest. The Philippine Coast Guard reported five CCG ships, over 15 maritime militia vessels, a PLA Navy warship and a helicopter in the area, calling the ramming “intentional.”
Finland’s statement came alongside messages from the United States, United Kingdom, Japan, Australia, New Zealand and the European Union Delegation, which urged adherence to the rules-based international order and referenced the 2016 arbitral ruling on the South China Sea. Pag-asa Island lies about 277 km west of Palawan and hosts a small civilian community.
