The Chinese Embassy in Manila over the weekend thanked the Philippine Coast Guard for the rescue of the seven crewmembers of a Chinese vessel that sustained damage in waters near Guian, Eastern Samar.

Chinese Ambassador Huang Xilian extolled the actions of the PCG for wasting no time in coming to the rescue of those aboard FV KAI DA 899, which sustained a damaged hull that caused it to list.
The PCG deployed BRP Cabra (MRRV-4409) to assist the fishermen aboard the stricken vessel.

“Glad to know the seven Chinese fishermen on board are in good physical condition,” Xilian said in a Facebook post, adding he was informed by PCG Commandant Artemio Abu of the rescue.

“Our sincere gratitude and deep appreciation to Commandant Abu and the PCG for their immediate response and humanitarian efforts to help the Chinese fishing vessel and seven Chinese fishermen on board,” the envoy added.

Xilian revealed that a Chinese vessel had also rescued a Filipino fisherman after his boat was seen floating in the open sea earlier this week.

He said the two events of Filipino and Chinese vessels rescuing those needing help in the open sea are in line with the “consensus reached” by China’s President Xi Jinping and President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.

Xilian added that the consensus also covers “properly managing maritime differences through dialogue and consultation while expanding practical cooperation on the sea.”