Reports from Manila indicate that Chinese vessels engaged in aggressive actions, including blasting water cannons and ramming a Philippine vessel during a resupply mission in the South China Sea. This incident near a disputed shoal in the region has sparked international criticism directed at China’s communist regime.
The Philippine fisheries vessel, operated by Manila’s Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources, was on a resupply mission from Hasa-Hasa Shoal to Escoda Shoal when it was targeted by Chinese coast guard ships. The vessel experienced engine failure after being rammed and shot with water cannons, forcing an early end to its mission, as reported by the National Task Force for the West Philippine Sea.
Various countries have condemned China’s actions, with the European Union’s ambassador to the Philippines, Luc Veron, labeling the naval maneuvers as “dangerous” and “disturbing.” The ambassador emphasized the importance of respecting international law, including the U.N. Convention on the Law of the Sea, in the South China Sea.
The Permanent Court of Arbitration in The Hague previously rejected Beijing’s expansive territorial claims in the South China Sea, highlighting the inconsistency of these claims with international agreements.
Following the recent incident, Australia’s ambassador to the Philippines, Hae Kyong Yu, expressed shared concerns over China’s aggressive actions in the region, emphasizing the need for peaceful resolution of disputes in accordance with international law.
Japan’s ambassador to the Philippines, Endo Kazuya, also criticized the incident, calling it an “unacceptable development” and stressing the importance of upholding a rules-based international order to prevent further escalation.
This collision marks the second such incident near the Sabina Shoal, drawing international attention and condemnation. The Philippines’ Defense Minister, Gilberto Teodoro, described China’s actions as “patently illegal” and emphasized the need to deter armed attacks through diplomatic means.
The United States and the Philippines have a mutual defense treaty, with President Joe Biden reaffirming the U.S.’s commitment to the defense of the Philippines. The Philippines has also received support from its lawmakers and international allies in condemning China’s aggressive actions in the South China Sea.
Manila continues to pursue diplomatic solutions to maritime issues in the region, urging Beijing to engage in constructive dialogue and de-escalate tensions for the sake of regional stability.
It is essential to adhere to international law and diplomatic norms to prevent further incidents and promote peaceful resolutions in the South China Sea.
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