Latest Vessel Collision in South China Sea Sparks Global Backlash Against China from the Philippines
Manila reported that Chinese vessels used water cannons and rammed its vessel during a resupply mission in the South China Sea.
China’s communist regime is facing international criticism after an incident near a disputed South China Sea shoal resulted in damage to a Philippine fisheries vessel.
“The EU firmly believes that adherence to international law, including UNCLOS [U.N. Convention on the Law of the Sea], is crucial in the South China Sea as in any other place,” Veron stated.
Sabina Shoal, also known as the Escoda Shoal by the Philippines or Xianbin Reef by China, is part of the South China Sea, which the Philippines refers to as the West Philippine Sea.
“Any harassment & actions which increase tensions or obstruct freedom of navigation are not tolerated. Upholding a rules-based [international] order and adhering to commitments must prevail,” Kazuya wrote.
The most recent incident is the second vessel collision between the two parties near Sabina Shoal.
The Philippines
On Monday, Philippine Defense Minister Gilberto Teodoro told reporters that the Chinese regime’s actions were “patently illegal” following the collision near Sabina Shoal on Sunday.
“We have to anticipate these kinds of behavior from China because this is a battle. We need to be prepared and accustomed to these types of illegal acts by China, as we have consistently stated,” Teodoro commented.
When asked if the recent collision would activate treaty obligations between Washington and Manila, Teodoro replied: “That is getting ahead of ourselves. Let us prevent an armed attack—that is the more critical issue.”
“We condemn in the strongest terms this newest reckless and dangerous maneuvers by the China Coast Guard on our vessels,” he said.
Romualde mentioned that the area where the Sunday incident occurred “is clearly within the 200-mile exclusive economic zone of the Philippines under the United Nations Convention of the Law of the Sea, to which China and the Philippines are signatories.”
“[It] calls into question China’s supposed commitment to de-escalate the situation in the area and create a conducive environment for dialogue and consultation,” the council mentioned.
The council affirmed that Manila will proceed with “the appropriate diplomatic approaches to resolve ongoing maritime issues” and urged Bejing “to return to the path of constructive dialogue” on South China Sea matters.
Reuters contributed to this report.