Atin Ito First Filipino Community Newspaper in Ontario
China maintained its belligerent stance Wednesday, saying US efforts to boost Philippine military capabilities and rally support from other countries for Manila’s claim over the West Philippine Sea “will lead nowhere.”
The embassy’s warning came as China continued to assert its rights—invalidated by a UN tribunal—over the West Philippine Sea, where its coast guard ships fired water cannons at Filipino boats on a resupply mission to Ayungin Shoal.
Despite growing international isolation on the issue, China justified its actions by saying the US had in the past “even sent over military aircraft and vessels to assist and support the Philippines” that threatened China, so “a water cannon attack was necessary this time.”
It said Beijing was taking note of US attempts “to persistently sensationalize the South China Sea issue, extensively hype up [sic] the recent maritime incident and attack China’s legitimate and lawful actions at sea.”
“Justice lies not in the loudness of one’s voice, but in the truth and rightness. The US attempts will lead nowhere,” it added.
China then urged the US to respect its territorial sovereignty over the West Philippine Sea and the whole South China Sea—a claim that has no legal basis except for its unilateral historical nine-dash line.
It said it is rejecting any attempts to create disagreement among nations in the Indo-Pacific.
“China unequivocally rejects words and actions that aim to stoke tension and confrontation in the South China Sea,” the embassy said.
“We urge the US to respect China’s territorial sovereignty, maritime rights and interests in the South China Sea, and respect regional countries’ efforts to uphold peace and stability in this region,” it added.
Since Sunday, Washington and its officials had been expressing support for the Philippines following the water cannon attack by the Chinese Coast Guard near Ayungin Shoal.
The US said China’s action threatened regional peace and stability.
The US also reaffirmed its commitment to the country that an armed attack against Philippine vessels in the water would invoke the Mutual Defense Treaty.
US Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin III assured his Philippine counterpart, Defense Secretary Gilbert Teodoro, of Washington’s commitment to support the country’s troops and to redouble the country’s training and interoperability following China’s latest aggressive action in the South China Sea.
In a readout provided by the Pentagon, Austin assured Teodoro of the US government’s support for the Philippine military and redoubling of both countries training and interoperability after the two defense officials discussed the recent water cannon attack.
“The secretaries discussed recent events in the South China Sea, including PRC efforts to obstruct the Philippine resupply mission to Second Thomas Shoal on Aug. 5, 2023,” the Pentagon said.
“Secretary Austin condemned the China Coast Guard’s use of water cannons and other dangerous maneuvers, which put the safety of Philippine vessels and crew at risk,” it added.
Austin also joined a number of countries that are already concerned about China’s activities in the waters, which undermine the status quo.
China’s neighbors, Japan and South Korea, as well as other nations, such as New Zealand, Australia, France, Germany, Canada, the United Kingdom, and the European Union, deplored the recent incident.
Teodoro and Austin also brought up the Mutual Defense Treaty during their discussion as they vowed to uphold rules-based order. The US said it would continue supporting the Philippines’ right to conduct lawful maritime activities, consistent with the 2016 Arbitral Tribunal ruling.
“Secretary Austin reaffirmed that the Mutual Defense Treaty extends to Philippine public vessels, aircraft, and armed forces—to include those of its Coast Guard—in the Pacific, including in the South China Sea,” the Pentagon said.
Both defense chiefs are also planning to meet in person soon to show proof that the Philippines and the US “stand shoulder-to-shoulder as allies to bring security, prosperity, and stability to the Indo-Pacific region and beyond.” — Rey E. Requejo
*****
Credit belongs to: www.manilastandard.net
