United States Ambassador to the Philippines MaryKay Carlson has appealed to China to stop its harassment of Philippine vessels legally operating in the West Philippine Sea.
Carlson's direct call for Beijing came amid a new clash between Filipino and Chinese troops in the waters, which stemmed from China's ramming of and boarding on Philippine vessels that led to severe injuries of the latter's troops.
"With like-minded partners and all who support the rule of law, we urge the PRC (People's Republic of China) to cease harassment of Philippine vessels lawfully operating in the Philippine exclusive economic zones (EEZ); to halt its disruption to states’ sovereign rights to explore, utilize, conserve, and manage natural resources in their territories and EEZs; and to end its interference with the freedoms of navigation and overflight of all states lawfully operating in the region," Carlson said on Wednesday, June 26.
In her remarks at the East-West Center's International Media Conference in Manila, the US envoy stressed that the 2016 Arbitral Award already rejected China's expansive South China Sea maritime claims, including any of its claim to the area determined by the Arbitral Tribunal to be part of the Philippines’ exclusive economic zone and continental shelf.
"We will continue to support the Philippines and other partners on these issues," she said, as she also noted the chorus against threats to peace and stability in the South China Sea that is growing louder and stronger each day.
US partnerships
Developments in the West Philippine Sea prompted Washington to tie up with countries in the region, such as the Philippines and neighboring Japan, according to Carlson.
“Trilateral cooperation makes good sense,” she said, adding that the three countries share a common vision for a free, open, and prosperous Indo-Pacific region.
There are also partners that the US is working with, she said. These include Japan, Australia, Canada and France.
"Sailing together with our partners sends a clear message: that we are all committed to upholding the freedom of navigation and overflight in accordance with international law,” she said.
The ambassador said the Indo-Pacific is the most dynamic and fastest-growing region on Earth as well as an essential driver of US and global security and prosperity.
“And thanks to an unprecedented level of cooperation with friends, partners, and allies, we have made great strides in advancing our shared vision for this region,” she added.