The Philippine military chief said on Monday that he was with Philippine troops aboard a supply boat when it was struck by water cannons and surrounded and collided with Chinese coast guard vessels over the weekend in the disputed South China Sea.
Tensions Escalate in Disputed Waters
General Romeo Bruneir Jr. said in a phone interview with the associated press that China is escalating its aggression in the contested waters, but he insisted that this would not deter Philippine forces from defending the Philippines’ regional interests in the busy waterway.
Chinese Vessels Gather Around Second Thomas Shoal
More than 100 Chinese government vessels and suspected militia ships gathered in the high seas around the disputed Second Thomas Shoal, where a derelict Philippine Navy ship stands that Bruneir visited decades ago. He noted that the gathering of Chinese vessels was much larger than in previous months.
Escalation of Chinese Aggression
Bruneir described the Chinese maritime movements as “purely aggressive,” saying, “I have seen repeatedly how large Chinese coast guard ships and militia vessels cut us off. They sprayed us with water cannons and then collided with us. It’s infuriating.”
The Need for a Diplomatic Solution
Bruneir indicated that this matter requires a high-level diplomatic solution, but he added that “the Armed Forces of the Philippines will continue its mission because it is lawful and our duty to deliver supplies to our troops on the front lines and protect our fishermen.”
Reassurance of American Support
The United States has repeatedly affirmed its commitment to defend the Philippines, its oldest ally in Asia, if Philippine troops or their ships or aircraft come under armed attack, including in the South China Sea. China has warned the U.S. against intervening in what it termed a purely Asian dispute.
Condemnation of Chinese Aggressive Actions
The Philippines, alongside the United States and Japan, condemned the actions of the Chinese coast guard and accompanying vessels. Several countries have expressed support for the Philippines and voiced concern over the incident, including the European Union, Germany, France, Canada, and Australia, according to Foreign Affairs spokesperson Teresita Daza.
China’s Reaction
The Chinese coast guard stated that it “carried out control measures in accordance with laws and regulations.” The statements did not detail the actions taken but asserted that the Philippines’ measures “seriously violated China’s sovereignty.” It added that a Philippine vessel ignored warnings and made a sharp turn in a “unprofessional and dangerous” manner, intentionally colliding with a Chinese coast guard vessel, causing a “scratch.”
Reaffirmation of American Defense
The U.S. State Department stated that the actions taken by the Chinese vessel “were reckless and unlawful” and threaten regional stability. It reaffirmed its commitment to defending Philippine forces in the event of an armed attack.
China’s Rejection of International Intervention
China rejected all international condemnations and legal intervention attempts, including a 2016 ruling by a U.N.-backed tribunal that invalidated China’s claims, leaving it without any legal basis. China claims it has the legal right to “defend its sovereignty” according to its broad claim in the South China Sea.
Other Maritime Clashes
In other maritime clashes this year, Philippine officials said Chinese coast guard vessels used military lasers that temporarily blinded Filipino crew members and engaged in dangerous maneuvers that led to minor collisions.
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