Foreign envoys from United Kingdom, Japan, European Union, France, and United States, among others, condemned anew China’s latest disruptive actions in the West Philippine Sea, reiterating their call to adherence to international laws.
On June 17, the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) and the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) conducted a routine rotation and resupply mission to BRP Sierra Madre at Ayungin Shoal, but the National Task Force for the West Philippine Sea said it was “disrupted by the illegal and aggressive actions of Chinese maritime forces.”
The People's Liberation Army-Navy (PLA-N), China Coast Guard (CCG), and Chinese Maritime Militia (CMM) vessels engaged in “dangerous maneuvers,“ including “ramming and towing,” according to the task force.
European Union Ambassador to the Philippines Luc Veron expressed “deep concern” about the maritime incident involving the CCG that “caused harm, damaged Philippine vessels, and disrupted lawful maritime operations in the exclusive economic zone.”
“The EU opposes coercion and intimidation in the South China Sea, or anywhere. We support international law and peaceful dispute resolution,” he wrote on X.
“France reiterates call for respect of the #UNCLOS and freedom of navigation. We oppose any threat or use of force contrary to international law and recall the importance of resolving disputes through dialogue,” French Ambassador Marie Fontanel said.
In a separate post, Japan rallied behind the Philippines following the CCG’s “repeated dangerous and aggressive actions” on its territorial waters.
“We stand with the Philippines and cooperate with like-minded countries in maintaining and enhancing the free and open international order based on the rule of law,” Japanese Ambassador to the Philippines Endo Kazuya said.
Among those who also expressed condemnation of China’s action were Ambassadors MaryKay Carlson and Laure Beaufils of United States and United Kingdom, respectively.
“The United States condemns the PRC’s aggressive, dangerous maneuvers near Ayungin (Second Thomas) Shoal…We stand by our allies in support of a #FreeAndOpenIndoPacific,” Carlson said.
For Beaufils, the Chinese vessels “interfered with navigational freedoms & escalated tensions.”
“UK reiterates its call for adherence to UNCLOS for all activities in the oceans and seas,” the ambassador added.
Meanwhile, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman Lin Jian maintained that CCG’s June 17 incident with Philippine vessels in Ayungin Shoal is consistent with their regulations.
“China Coast Guard took necessary control measures to stop the Philippine vessels in accordance with the law. The maneuvers at the scene were professional, restrained, justified and lawful,” he said.