On Saturday, a Chinese Coast Guard vessel aggressively used water cannons against a smaller Philippine boat in the South China Sea. This Philippine boat was on a mission to deliver supplies to a Philippine marine garrison on the Second Thomas Shoal. Video and images from the Philippines displayed the larger Chinese vessel not only spraying water but also moving perilously close to the Philippine Coast Guard ships that escorted the resupply boats.
Reactions from International Community
The incident has triggered an international backlash:
- The United States and its allies such as Australia, Japan, Germany, and Britain have joined the Philippines in condemning China’s actions, terming them as “dangerous” and “destabilizing”.
- The US has affirmed its mutual defense treaty obligations with the Philippines, warning of repercussions in the event of an armed attack on Philippine assets in the South China Sea.
- The Canadian Embassy in Manila has also joined the chorus, expressing its strong disapproval of China’s aggressive actions.
Statements from the Philippine Government
The Philippine Coast Guard and government officials have been vocal in their condemnation. Highlights include:
- The Philippine Coast Guard’s official statement denounced the “dangerous maneuvers and illegal use of water cannons” by the China Coast Guard.
- Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. informed that his foreign affair secretary handed a diplomatic note of complaint, along with images and videos of the incident, to the Chinese ambassador in Manila.
- The Philippine Foreign Ministry and armed forces jointly condemned China’s actions, stressing that they endangered Filipino lives in direct violation of humanitarian and international law.
China’s Stand
The Chinese authorities have maintained a firm stance on their territorial claims. Spokesperson Gan Yu, representing the China Coast Guard, defended the water cannon action, emphasizing it was a professional and justifiable move to prevent a collision after multiple warnings. China has also accused Manila of attempting to “permanently occupy” what they deem to be Chinese sovereign territory.
The backdrop of the South China Sea Dispute
- Beijing asserts “indisputable sovereignty” over almost all of the vast South China Sea and most islands within it, even those situated hundreds of miles away from the Chinese mainland.
- Manila terms the region the West Philippine Sea and in 1999 made a strategic move by grounding a navy transport ship on Second Thomas Shoal to affirm its territorial rights.
- The International Permanent Court of Arbitration in the Hague ruled in 2016 that China has no legal foundation to claim most of the South China Sea. Yet, Beijing has dismissed the ruling.
- A series of confrontations between China and the Philippines have been recorded over the years, with analysts like Collin Koh signaling that the recent incident is a significant escalation.
Implications for Regional Diplomacy
With the South China Sea serving as a major conduit for trillions of dollars in trade annually, these confrontations can have wider implications. Philippine Sen. Alan Peter Cayetano has expressed concerns about the increasing brinkmanship, fearing that any miscalculation can bring instability to the region.
Marcos’ Approach to China
While former Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte pursued closer ties with China and generally refrained from criticism, the current president, Ferdinand Marcos Jr., is viewed as realigning the Philippines with its traditional Western allies. However, Marcos still emphasizes maintaining a “friendship” with Beijing but is resolute in defending Manila’s maritime rights. Click here for more detailed coverage of the incident.
In conclusion, while the South China Sea remains a contested territory, actions that risk open confrontations and jeopardize peace and security are drawing widespread international criticism. The world will be closely watching how both China and the Philippines navigate this sensitive geopolitical issue in the days to come.
