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- Rammed and surrounded by Chinese ships at sea (newsbreak.com)
For this week’s first episode of 60 Minutes, correspondent Cecilia Vega and her team set out to cover the rising tensions between China and the Philippines in the South China Sea. However, their reporting turned into personal experience when they found themselves in an international incident, witnessing China’s intimidation tactics firsthand.
The 60 Minutes crew was scheduled to join the Philippine Coast Guard on a routine supply mission. Onboard the Philippine Coast Guard ship Cape Engaño, the team began their journey to Sabina Shoal, located about 93 miles west of Palawan province.
Around 4 a.m. the following day, they were awakened by a loud bang and an alarm. A Chinese ship had struck the Cape Engaño, and the Philippine crew quickly instructed Vega and her team to don life jackets and stay inside their cabins.
Producers Andy Court and Jacqueline Williams immediately considered various alarming scenarios. Williams recalls worrying about their safety, questioning if the ship was taking on water or about to be boarded by Chinese forces. On advice from veteran cameraman Don Lee, the crew secured their passports and took measures to protect the footage they had filmed in case the Chinese attempted to confiscate their equipment.
When the crew returned to the deck, they discovered a three-and-a-half-foot hole in the hull of the Cape Engaño. Daylight revealed multiple Chinese ships surrounding them, pointing their bows directly at the Philippine ship. During the tense standoff, the Cape Engaño crew reported losing access to internet and cell service, likely due to Chinese jamming.
Court reflected on the experience, saying it was one of the most vulnerable situations he had encountered. The Filipinos attempted to negotiate a way out, ultimately abandoning the first resupply stop.
This incident adds to a series of confrontations between China and the Philippines that have heightened tensions over the past two years. The Hague’s international tribunal ruled in 2016 that the Philippines has rights over a 200-mile exclusive economic zone, which includes Sabina Shoal.
However, China has rejected the ruling, claiming most of the South China Sea. This area sees over $3 trillion in annual global trade.
Recently, Chinese actions have included ramming Philippine boats, using water cannons, and blocking ships within the Philippine EEZ, bringing the conflict closer to Philippine shores. In response to the Cape Engaño incident, China released a video claiming the Philippine vessel had rammed their ship and accused the 60 Minutes crew of being part of a Philippine propaganda effort.
Producer Andy Court dismissed the Chinese claims as implausible, noting the significant size difference between the vessels. Cecilia Vega emphasized that their mission was merely to document the realities faced by the Filipinos and highlight the tangible intimidation at sea.
“The intimidation is very real up close, and you realize just how volatile this situation is,” Vega remarked.
The video accompanying this report was produced by Brit McCandless Farmer and edited by Scott Rosann.
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- Rammed and surrounded by Chinese ships at sea (newsbreak.com)