On Monday, the United States reaffirmed its support for its ally, the Philippines, following an incident in the South China Sea. A Chinese vessel reportedly collided with a Philippine supply ship near the contested Second Thomas Shoal territory, and the U.S. stands by the Philippines in this matter.
In an official statement, State Department spokesperson Matthew Miler expressed condemnation towards the People’s Republic of China for their irresponsible actions in denying the Philippines from delivering humanitarian supplies to service members stationed at the BRP Sierra Madre on June 17. The United States has shown its support for its ally, the Philippines, in this matter.
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USNI News has confirmed that a Philippine sailor sustained severe injuries during a resupply mission in the South China Sea at Ayungin Shoal, after Chinese forces blocked their path.
According to Miller, the Chinese ships’ actions were outright “dangerous and deliberate”. The use of water cannons, ramming, blocking maneuvers, and towing damaged Philippine vessels was highly concerning as it put the lives of Philippine service members at risk. Miller believes that such reckless behavior from the Chinese ships poses a threat to regional peace and stability.
According to the State Department, on May 19th, a Chinese Coast Guard ship harassed Philippine service members who were being medically evacuated and unlawfully seized airdropped provisions.
According to Miller, an international tribunal had made a unanimous decision in July 2016 that China has no legal maritime rights to the waters surrounding Second Thomas Shoal.
China’s recent action is part of a series of similar moves in the region, all related to the ongoing disputes over the territory in question.
Philippine Navy personnel regularly occupy the reef and receive supplies from Filipino vessels. Manila argues that the reef is located within its exclusive economic zone, a claim that is disputed by Beijing, Vietnam, and Taiwan.
The Philippines has made a formal request to the United Nations to recognize its right to the undersea continental seabed in the South China Sea.
According to the State Department, China’s recent display of aggression is part of a pattern of behavior aimed at obstructing the delivery of essential supplies to US troops stationed at the BRP Sierra Madre. This latest incident is just one in a series of deliberate provocations from China.
According to a high-ranking government official in the Philippines, China’s actions have jeopardized the safety of their personnel and caused damage to their boats. This blatant disregard for international law, including the United Nations Charter, the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS), and the 2016 Arbitral Award, is a cause for concern. The government made a public statement on X condemning these actions.
