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Manila Bulletin devider Philippines devider National devider Allies back PH amid China's aggression in South China Sea

Allies back PH amid China's aggression in South China Sea

Published Mar 5, 2024 11:44 am

Allies are standing by the Philippines after two Philippine vessels​ experienced dangerous maneuvers from China, with one of them colliding with a Chinese vessel and left four Filipinos injured.

The United States, the European Union, Japan, Australia, ​New Zealand, the United Kingdom, France, Sweden, and Germany were among the countries that immediately voiced their support for the Philippines following the incident that happened on Tuesday, March 5.

Washington’s​ envoy in Manila, MaryKay Carlson, said the US government is one with the Philippines and other proponents of international law in support of a Free And Open Indo-Pacific.

"We strongly condemn the PRC’s dangerous maneuvers at Ayungin/Second Thomas Shoal, which endangered lives, resulted in injuries, and damaged
​[the Philippine Coast Guard]'s vessels in the ​Philippines' EEZ​ (exclusive economic zone)," Carlson said in a post on X.

​EU's top diplomat in Manila, Luc Veron, said he was "troubled" by China's aggression in the waters.

​The Japanese embassy said it is grave​ly concern​ed about ​"the repeated dangerous actions​" by China in the South China Sea, including its recent use of water cannon by ​that resulted in Filipino injuries and a collision.

​"Japan will continue to stand with the Philippines and cooperate with like-minded countries to maintain the peace and stability in the region​," it said.

​UK Ambassador Laure Beaufils also condemned the incident and called for China's adherence to the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS).

​New Zealand and Australia, two maritime nations in the south, were also concerned.

For New Zealand, the use of water cannons ​"threaten life at sea​," while ​"peaceful resolution of maritime disputes in accordance with UNCLOS is fundamental to regional stability.​"

"Discussing peace and stability at the ​[50th ASEAN-Australia Commemorative Summit]. Australia shares Philippines’ concerns about dangerous actions by China’s vessels at Second Thomas Shoal today. We call for restraint and respect for international law, particularly UNCLOS​," Australian Ambassador HK Yu said.

Four Filipino crew of a PCG vessel were injured following a dangerous maneuver committed by China's coast guard against its Philippine counterpart, which eventually led to a collision.

The incident took place as PCG vessels BRP Cabra and BRP Sindagan were deployed to support the Rotation and Reprovisioning Operation of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP).

Related Tags

South China Sea allies Ayungin Shoal People's Republic of China
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