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Manila Bulletin devider Philippines devider National devider US stands by PH in vessel collision with China

US stands by PH in vessel collision with China

Published Oct 23, 2023 02:23 am

The United States is standing by the Philippines on the collision incident between Philippine and Chinese vessels off Ayungin Shoal in the West Philippine Sea that occurred on Sunday, Oct. 22. 

“The United States stands with our Philippine allies in the face of the People’s Republic of China (PRC) Coast Guard and maritime militia’s dangerous and unlawful actions obstructing an October 22 Philippine resupply mission to Second Thomas [Ayungin] Shoal in the South China Sea,” the Office of the Spokesperson of the US State Department said in a statement Monday, Oct. 23.

US said China violated international law by “intentionally interfering with the Philippine vessels’ exercise of high seas freedom of navigation.”

It also said China put the safety of the Filipino crew aboard in jeopardy as the latter also impeded the resupply mission, which the vessels were undertaking by the time.

This came after a Chinese Coast Guard and a Chinese militia vessel conducted dangerous maneuvers in the waters China claims it owns, causing the collision of the two sides’ vessels.

China already said it conducted the maneuvers because the Philippine vessels “trespassed” in the Ayungin Shoal despite repeated warnings.

China said it did the move as the Philippines was also not complying with its supposed promise to tow away the beached BRP Sierra Madre, which is being supplied Philippine vessels with food and construction materials. Such a promise was already denied by Manila, while China could not provide any proof it was made.

US asserted that the Ayungin Shoal belongs to the Philippine exclusive economic zone based on international law.

A 2016 arbitral ruling stated that there is no legal basis for China to be entitled to the maritime zones in the said atoll, US added.

“The unsafe maneuvers on October 22 and the PRC water cannoning of a Philippines’ vessel on August 5 are the latest examples of provocative PRC measures in the South China Sea to enforce its expansive and unlawful maritime claims, reflecting disregard for other states lawfully operation in the region,” according to the US statement.

“The United States reaffirms that Article IV of the 1951 US-Philippines Mutual Defense Treaty extends to armed attacks on Philippine armed forces, public vessels and aircraft—including those of its Coast Guard—anywhere in the South China Sea,” it added.

Related Tags

vessel collision Philippine Coast Guard Chinese harassment Ayungin Shoal
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