China vows to ‘safeguard’ sovereignty, maritime rights

CHINA has once again voiced its opposition to the intervention of other countries in the South China Sea (SCS) dispute between China and the Philippines.

“On the South China Sea issue between China and the Philippines, we have stated our serious position multiple times. We oppose foreign interference, infringement, and provocation, and advocate proper management of differences. Meanwhile, we are fully prepared for any emergency, and will resolutely safeguard China’s territorial sovereignty and maritime rights and interests,” said Wu Quian, China’s Defense Ministry spokesman, last Thursday.

Wu was reacting to reports that United States Secretary of State Antony Blinken has accused China of illegal activities in the South China Sea and reaffirmed the US’ commitment to Philippine defense.

In this handout frame grab video footage taken on March 21, 2024 and received from Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) on March 22, shows a Chinese Coast Guard ship shadowing a Philippine Coast Guard ship (not pictured) near Sandy Cay reef, near the Philippine-held Thitu Island in Spratly Islands, in the disputed South China Sea. The Philippine Coast Guard on March 22 accused a Chinese vessel of “dangerous manoeuvres” as it attempted to block Filipino scientists from reaching a reef in the South China Sea. Handout / Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) / AFP 

The Department of National Defense (DND) meanwhile raised concerns about China’s repeated attempts to harass resupply missions to Ayungin Shoal.

The department instructed the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) to implement the Comprehensive Archipelagic Defense Concept (CADC).

But Wu said there is no bigger factor than the US interference in causing turbulence in the South China Sea.

“For some time, in disregard of the facts, the US provoked confrontation, backed up the Philippines, threatened and exerted pressure on China citing the so-called bilateral treaty, and sent military vessels to the South China Sea to stir up troubles. These actions seriously undermine regional peace and stability,” he said.

Wu stressed that China maintains the stance that the US is in no position to interfere and the military cooperation between the US and the Philippines must not harm China’s sovereignty and maritime rights.

“So, we have responded with legitimate, resolute, and restrained actions. The Philippine side should realize that provocations will only do themselves more harm than good, and soliciting foreign support will lead nowhere,” he said.

“We have every reason to believe that with the concerted efforts of regional countries, the South China Sea issue will surely be settled. This is the inevitable trend of our times,” Wu added.

South Korea has expressed grave concern over the repeated use of water cannons by China during recent incidents in the South China Sea.

The South Korean Foreign Ministry’s spokesman Lin Jian said on Tuesday Seoul such actions increase tensions in the major international navigation route used by all countries.

Lin said China’s actions undermine peace, stability, safety and rules-based maritime order, and urged that freedom of navigation and overflights must be respected by all countries in the international community.

Wu argued that South Korea is not a player in the South China Sea issue.

On Thursday, President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. said he has been in “constant communication” with representatives of the country’s allies, partners and friends in the international community.

“They have offered to help us with what the Philippines requires to protect and secure our sovereignty, sovereign rights, and jurisdiction while ensuring peace and stability in the Indo-Pacific,” Marcos said.

AFP Chief of Staff Gen. Romeo Brawner Jr. has said the military would be making changes in the resupply mission in Ayungin.

Brawner visited the Filipino soldiers who were wounded after a glass window of the supply boat Unaizah Mae 4 was shattered by the jet of water from a China Coast Guard ship.

A portion of the boat was also badly damaged, forcing the pilot to abort its mission.

Chinese ships also tried to block the Philippine Coast Guard vessels BRP Cabra and BRP Sindangan which were escorting the supply boat.

The Chinese also installed a floating barrier near the Ayungin Shoal.

Brawner was accompanied to the Western Command (Wescom) headquarters by Philippine Coast Guard Commandant Admiral Ronnie Gil Galvan.

“What you are doing here has strategic implications. The whole world is watching us so let us continue with our determination and resolve to accomplish our mission and the conduct of our RoRe operations,” Brawner told the wounded soldiers.

He also held a meeting with Wescom officials to come up with new strategies for the next resupply runs.

In a related development, the Philippine Navy will deploy 10 power generators to Philippine-occupied features in the West Philippine Sea to enhance territorial defense.

Navy Public Affairs Chief Cmdr. John Percie Alcos said the generators were handed over by the Armed Forces and Police Savings and Loans Association Inc. (AFPSLAI) last Tuesday. Flag Officer In Command, Vice Adm. Toribio Adaci Jr., who accepted the donation from AFPSLAI President and CEO retired Navy Vice Adm. Gaudencio Collado Jr. Adaci, underscored the importance of the generators in assisting personnel who put their lives on the line to defend the country’s borders.

Collado said the Navy’s role “in defending our sovereignty and territory has become even more critical, and Team AFPSLAI is one with you in developing a strong naval force capable of protecting the country’s maritime interests.”