The Philippines summoned the Chinese ambassador on Monday and indicated the possibility of his expulsion following the most tense confrontations between the vessels of the two countries in years over Scarborough Shoal and Second Thomas Shoal in the disputed South China Sea.
Escalation of Maritime Tensions
Videos released by the Philippine Coast Guard showed Chinese ships spraying water hoses on Filipino fishing boats during separate supply missions to fishermen at Scarborough Shoal and small outposts at Second Thomas Shoal on Saturday and Sunday.
Summoning the Chinese Ambassador
“Diplomatic protests have been filed and ‘the Chinese ambassador has also been summoned’,” according to Foreign Ministry spokesperson Teresita Daza at a press conference on Monday.
China’s Escalation
Jonathan Malaya, the assistant director of the National Security Council, described China’s escalation and its use of a long-range acoustic device and water-spraying on Filipino fishing boats as a “serious escalation” of its tactics.
China’s Response
The Chinese Foreign Ministry asserted that the actions of the Chinese Coast Guard against Philippine vessels were “professional” and “controlled,” and it has filed “stern protests” to Manila.
Ongoing Tensions
Jay Batongbacal, director of the Institute for Maritime Affairs and Law of the Sea at the University of the Philippines, stated that these confrontations are expected to become more frequent and persistent in the future.
Impact of U.S. Support
Sung Zongping, an analyst and former officer in the Chinese military, said that U.S. support for the Philippines makes Manila feel “emboldened to provoke China,” thereby increasing tensions.
South China Sea Claims
China claims almost the entire South China Sea and disregards an international court ruling stating that its claims have no legal basis.
Calls to De-escalate
The U.S. State Department urged China on Sunday to stop its “dangerous and provocative” actions at sea, while foreign diplomats in Manila criticized China’s behavior.
History of Confrontations
China seized Scarborough Shoal from the Philippines in 2012 after a tense standoff, while the Philippine Navy grounded a World War II warship at Second Thomas Shoal in 1999 to monitor China’s advancements.
Deterioration of Relations
Relations between Manila and Beijing have deteriorated under President Ferdinand Marcos, who sought to improve relations with traditional ally Washington and deepen defense cooperation in the region while rejecting China’s actions in the South China Sea.
Philippines’ Position
Marcos stated in a statement on Sunday that the Philippines remains “determined” following recent events, emphasizing that “no one but the Philippines has a legitimate right or legal basis to operate in the South China Sea.”
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