US reaffirms support for PH vs China's SCS incursions
By Raymund Antonio and Raymund Antonio
The United States (US) has reaffirmed its commitment to stand with the Philippines against any form of harassment and intimidation in the South China Sea.
Philippine and American flags (Photo from US Embassy in the Philippines/Manila Bulletin)
“The United States stands with the Philippines in the face of the People’s Republic of China (PRC) Coast Guard’s continued infringement upon freedom of navigation in the South China Sea,” a statement from the Office of the Spokesperson said.
The US reiterated its commitment to come to the Philippines’ defense, as it warned China anew that an attack on Philippines armed forces in the South China Sea would trigger the 1951 Mutual Defense Treaty between the US and the Philippines.
Washington reminded Beijing of its obligations to its partner following the continued routine patrols by Chinese vessels within the exclusive economic zone (EEZ) of the Philippines.
According to the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG), it has spotted more than 100 Chinese vessels, including a warship and coast guard ships, during its maritime patrols in the West Philippine Sea from April 18 to 24.
China, which claims almost the entirety of the resource-rich sea, has refused longtime appeals by the Philippines to withdraw the vessels, which Manila said unlawfully entered its EEZ.
The Office of the Spokesperson cited the photos and videos of these maritime patrols, which it said was a “stark reminder of PRC harassment and intimidation” of Philippine vessels.
“We call upon Beijing to desist from its provocative and unsafe conduct. The United States continues to track and monitor these interactions closely,” it said.
“The United States stands with our Philippine allies in upholding the rules-based international maritime order,” the statement added.
Philippine and American flags (Photo from US Embassy in the Philippines/Manila Bulletin)
“The United States stands with the Philippines in the face of the People’s Republic of China (PRC) Coast Guard’s continued infringement upon freedom of navigation in the South China Sea,” a statement from the Office of the Spokesperson said.
The US reiterated its commitment to come to the Philippines’ defense, as it warned China anew that an attack on Philippines armed forces in the South China Sea would trigger the 1951 Mutual Defense Treaty between the US and the Philippines.
Washington reminded Beijing of its obligations to its partner following the continued routine patrols by Chinese vessels within the exclusive economic zone (EEZ) of the Philippines.
According to the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG), it has spotted more than 100 Chinese vessels, including a warship and coast guard ships, during its maritime patrols in the West Philippine Sea from April 18 to 24.
China, which claims almost the entirety of the resource-rich sea, has refused longtime appeals by the Philippines to withdraw the vessels, which Manila said unlawfully entered its EEZ.
The Office of the Spokesperson cited the photos and videos of these maritime patrols, which it said was a “stark reminder of PRC harassment and intimidation” of Philippine vessels.
“We call upon Beijing to desist from its provocative and unsafe conduct. The United States continues to track and monitor these interactions closely,” it said.
“The United States stands with our Philippine allies in upholding the rules-based international maritime order,” the statement added.