The Philippines has strongly criticized China’s coast guard for engaging in “unprovoked acts of coercion and dangerous maneuvers” in the South China Sea. The incident involved the use of a water cannon against a Philippine boat during a resupply mission. The Philippines condemned China’s actions, stating that they not only endangered the lives of their people but also raised doubts about China’s commitment to peaceful dialogue.
The resupply missions are essential for supporting Philippine troops stationed on Second Thomas Shoal, a disputed atoll that Manila refers to as Ayungin. China claims the entire South China Sea, including Second Thomas Shoal, and has deployed numerous vessels, including what the Philippines calls “Chinese maritime militia,” to patrol the area. The Philippines accused these vessels of obstructing the resupply mission.
China’s coast guard responded by claiming that the Philippine ships entered Chinese waters without permission and urged the Philippines to respect China’s sovereignty. They stated that they had taken control measures and made arrangements for the transportation of necessary supplies.
Despite facing harassment from the Chinese coast guard, the Philippines successfully completed the resupply mission. The confrontations at Second Thomas Shoal have been ongoing for years, as China has become more assertive in asserting its maritime claims. This has alarmed other claimants and countries operating in the South China Sea, including the United States.
The United States has supported a 2016 ruling by the Permanent Court of Arbitration, which stated that China’s claims in the South China Sea had no legal basis. This ruling was seen as a victory for the Philippines. According to the ruling, Second Thomas Shoal falls within the Philippines’ exclusive economic zone.
The Philippine government emphasized that its actions are in line with international law, particularly the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS) and the 2016 ruling. They stressed that peace and stability can only be achieved by respecting the rights of others.
China’s use of water cannons is part of a series of incidents in the South China Sea, including collisions between Chinese and Philippine vessels on October 22. The Philippines accused the Chinese coast guard of intentionally colliding with their ships.
Both China and the Philippines have provided their perspectives on the incident, with Beijing’s coast guard claiming that they acted in accordance with the law, while the Philippines condemned the actions as reckless and dangerous. The situation in the South China Sea remains tense as rival claimants and countries with interests in the region continue to navigate the complex territorial disputes.
(Reporting by Beijing newsroom and Neil Jerome Morales in Manila; Writing by Bernard Orr; Editing by Christopher Cushing and Gerry Doyle)
