Blinken reiterates US’ unwavering support for Philippines following confrontation with China in South China Sea

June 20, 2024 TruthUSA

Washington strongly criticized the Chinese regime’s ‘escalatory and irresponsible actions.’

Secretary of State Antony Blinken reiterated Washington’s unwavering commitments to the Philippines during his conversation with Philippine counterpart Enrique Manalo regarding the recent actions of the Chinese regime in the South China Sea.

“Their conversation followed the PRC’s dangerous and irresponsible actions to obstruct the Philippines from carrying out a lawful maritime operation in the South China Sea on June 17,” State Department spokesperson Matthew Miller stated in a statement on June 19. PRC stands for the People’s Republic of China, the official name of communist China.

During the call, Mr. Blinken emphasized that Beijing’s actions “threaten regional peace and stability and reaffirmed the United States’ steadfast commitments to the Philippines under our Mutual Defense Treaty,” Mr. Miller reported.

Earlier, Washington condemned the Chinese regime’s “escalatory and irresponsible actions” in preventing the Philippines from delivering food to its soldiers at an outpost in the South China Sea and reminded Beijing of the U.S.-Philippines mutual defense treaty.

‘Illegal and Aggressive’

The most recent incident took place on June 17 in contested waters in the South China Sea, where the Chinese Coast Guard disrupted the Philippine humanitarian delivery mission to its outpost on the Second Thomas Shoal.

Philippine military officials reported that the Chinese Coast Guard personnel were armed with knives and spears, looted firearms, and purposefully damaged Philippine boats involved in the mission. They described the Chinese actions as “intentional-high speed ramming.”

A Philippine military spokesperson mentioned that a sailor lost a finger in the incident and is currently recovering in a hospital. He was awarded a medal by the military chief on June 19 for his bravery.

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Washington Condemns China's 'Escalatory' Actions in South China Sea, Reaffirms Philippine Alliance

Footage released by the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) shows multiple Chinese boats approaching and encircling Philippine vessels. A Chinese Coast Guard personnel in an orange life jacket is seen carrying an axe and acting aggressively toward the Philippine boats. Another Chinese personnel appears to be wielding a machete at the Philippine crew.

“Despite facing overwhelming numbers and harassment from the Chinese Coast Guard, Filipino troops valiantly fought back and defended their position. The Armed Forces of the Philippines maintains professionalism and steadfast commitment to uphold international law and preserve peace in the region,” the AFP said in a statement posted on X on June 19.

The Philippine foreign ministry denounced the Chinese military’s actions as “illegal and aggressive.”

The ministry expressed a desire for peace and made efforts to create a conducive environment for dialogue and consultation with China on the South China Sea, stating, “This cannot be achieved if China’s words do not align with their actions on the waters.”

The ministry called on China to adhere to international law and respect the sovereignty of the Philippines.

Beijing refuted the accusations. Foreign ministry spokesperson Lin Jian stated at a press briefing on June 19 that “The law enforcement measures … were professional and restrained, aimed at stopping the illegal fishing by Philippine ships, and no direct measures were taken against Philippine personnel.”

Canada and the UK condemned the Chinese regime’s actions, while France and Japan expressed concern over the incident.

‘They Acted Like Pirates’

Philippine military chief Gen. Romeo Brawner Jr. condemned the actions of the Chinese regime and commended the soldiers while addressing his troops at the headquarters of Western Command on June 19.

“The good thing is that we fought. The Chinese Coast Guard personnel had bladed weapons and our personnel fought with bare hands. That is what’s important. We were outnumbered, and their weapons were unexpected, but our personnel fought with everything that they had,” Gen. Brawner said in a statement.

He likened the actions of the Chinese Coast Guard to that of pirates. “Only pirates do this. Only pirates board, steal, and destroy ships, equipment, and belongings,” he remarked.

During a briefing on the same day, Gen. Brawner condemned the actions of the Chinese regime. “They have no right or legal authority to hijack our operations and destroy Philippine vessels,” he asserted. “They boarded our boats illegally, they got our equipment, they acted like pirates.”

The Chinese Communist Party (CCP) cautioned the Philippines against entering what it claims are its territorial waters and issued new regulations that came into effect on June 15, enforcing a 2021 Chinese law allowing its coast guard to use lethal force against foreign ships in waters it asserts.

The new rules permit the Chinese Coast Guard to detain suspected intruders without trial for 60 days.

The Philippines and China have engaged in disputes over contested territories within Manila’s exclusive economic zone over the past year.

The CCP asserts nearly the entire South China Sea, a crucial route for over $3 trillion in annual maritime trade. This claim overlaps with territories claimed by the Philippines, Vietnam, Indonesia, Malaysia, and Brunei.

In 2016, the Permanent Court of Arbitration ruled that Beijing’s maritime claims lack a legal basis under international law. However, the CCP disregarded the ruling and continued to assert control in the region.

Reuters contributed to this report.

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