The Philippine Coast Guard said one of its ships encountered “shadowing and initial blocking” by Chinese vessels while en route to rescue the crew of a stricken Filipino fishing boat. The Chinese ships ceased these actions and offered to help after being informed about the “humanitarian mission”, it added.
If they were found not helping, it was proof of their malevolence.
On the other hand, If they were found helping, it was merely because it was a cheap propaganda win and because they didn’t want to get caught with proof killing Filipinos in Filipino claimed waters.
The Chinese ship actively blocking a rescue operation until they fully understood the potential blowback.
That’s your bad faith interpretation based on what one party is saying about the incident. (Especially the “potential blowback”).
Whereas Singaporean state media states more neutrally:
Which is reasonable, because China was operating on previous experiences. The Chinese adapted once they got more information about the situation (which they were under no obligation to and wouldn’t do if they wouldn’t have taken the Philippine Coast Guard in good faith). What did you want them to do? nOt bE tHeRE iN tHe FirsTplAce", amirite?