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Manila Bulletin devider Philippines devider National devider PH garners international support after China's water cannon attack

PH garners international support after China's water cannon attack

Published Mar 23, 2024 09:26 am

The international community did not go silent on Saturday, March 23, when Chinese troops made yet another water cannon attack on a Philippine vessel traversing  the West Philippine Sea.

China’s Coast Guard fired water cannon on resupply ship Unaizah May 4 while traversing the waters off Ayungin Shoal bound for the grounded BRP Sierra Madre. The attack left the vessel severely damaged.

The United States, Japan, the European Union, the United Kingdom, New Zealand and the Netherlands were among the countries that voiced their support for the Philippines.

The US, with which the Philippines has a Mutual Defense Treaty, said China has violated international law and its actions threaten a free and open movement in the waters of the Indo-Pacific area.

“The US stands with the Philippines against the PRC’s (People’s Republic of China’s) repeated dangerous maneuvers and water cannons to disrupt [Philippine Coast Guard’s] lawful activities in the Philippine EEZ (exclusive economic zone),” US Ambassador to Manila MaryKay Carlson said.

Japanese Ambassador-designate Endo Kazuya said Tokyo is standing in solidarity with Manila as already confirmed at the trilateral vice foreign ministers’ meeting among Japan, the US and the Philippines diplomats.

EU Ambassador Luc Veron, who said he was concerned by China’s actions, called for all parties to “abide by the legally binding 2016 Arbitration Award and international law to peacefully resolve disputes, guaranteeing safety for all in maritime waters.”

“[The United Kingdom] opposes actions which raise tensions and threaten regional peace and stability. We once again urge adherence to UNCLOS,” UK Ambassador Laure Beaufils said, adding the UK condemns China’s actions.

New Zealand Ambassador Peter Kell asserted it is “fundamental to regional stability that maritime disputes are resolved peacefully in accordance with international law, particularly UNCLOS.”

“Another incident in which a Philippine resupply mission was frustrated, leading to material damage and personal injuries,” Dutch Ambassador Marielle Geraedts said.

 

Related Tags

MaryKay Carlson japanese embassy in the philipines Luc Veron European Union china coast guard Ayungin Shoal
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