The Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) said on Saturday that its maritime patrol in the West Philippine Sea (WPS) was “non-provocative” after a near-collision between a Chinese coast guard ship and a Philippine patrol vessel.   The PCG made the remark after China said the near-crash in the South China Sea between a Chinese coast guard ship and a Philippine patrol vessel carrying journalists was caused by the latter's "premeditated and provocative action.”   “The routine, seven-day maritime patrol carried out by the PCG in the WPS from April 18–24 was non-provocative and did not undermine the interests of other states,” Commodore Jay Tarriela, PCG spokesperson for the WPS, said in a tweet.   Tarriela said the PCG has no obligation to request permission from other nations while patrolling the waters near Ayungin Shoal, adding that this area is within the country’s exclusive economic zone in accordance with the 1982 United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS).   “Throughout their maritime patrol operations, PCG captains consistently follow the 1972 Convention on the International Regulations for Preventing Collisions at Sea (COLREGs),” he said.