WHEN the latest maritime incident in the West Philippine Sea – the ramming against each other of vessels of the coast guards of both the Philippines and China – occurred, it was almost certain that the rich countries of the western alliance headed by the United States would react to condemn China, as in fact they did.
The US and at least five other countries condemned the dangerous actions by China against “lawful” Philippine maritime operations in the West Philippine Sea that left two Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) ships damaged.
‘It will take a leader with a higher degree of tenacity and leadership qualities to steer the nation through this turbulent sea, both literally and figuratively.’
The embassies in Manila of Australia, Canada, Japan, Germany and the United Kingdom used social media extensively to express deep concern over the incident, which took place early dawn of August 19.
The BRP Bagacay and BRP Cape Engaño were damaged in collisions with Chinese vessels that were conducting “unlawful and aggressive maneuvers” near Escoda (Sabina) Shoal, the National Task Force for the West Philippine Sea (NTF-WPS) said in a statement. The two PCG vessels were sailing within the Philippines’ exclusive economic zone and were en route to Patag and Lawak Islands in the WPS, the task force said.
This latest incident related to Philippines-China confrontation engendered by their conflicting claims over the same areas of the South China Sea may be seen differently by both stakeholders and non-stakeholders in the area. Such divergence of opinions will most likely reflect their stand on the question of peace and stability in the SCS and the Asian region. It should be noted that while the US is not a party to these conflicting claims, it has been the most active in criticizing China for its aggressiveness in the area.
After the incident, US State Department deputy spokesman Vedant Patel said the US reaffirmed that the Mutual Defense Treaty between the two nations extends to armed attacks on Philippine armed forces, public vessels or aircraft – including those of its Coast Guard – anywhere in the South China Sea.
Patel said the “PRC (People’s Republic of China) ships employed reckless maneuvers, deliberately colliding with two Philippine Coast Guard ships, causing structural damage and jeopardizing the safety of the crew onboard. These actions are the latest examples of the PRC using dangerous and escalatory measures to enforce its expansive and unlawful South China Sea maritime claims,” Patel said.
Australia’s Ambassador Hae Kyong Yu said the “dangerous actions undermine efforts to de-escalate tensions. We urge restraint and adherence to international law, particularly UNCLOS(United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea).”
Canadian Ambassador David Hartman said the actions “are inconsistent with China’s obligations under international law and undermine efforts to de-escalate tensions in the South China Sea” while Japanese Ambassador Endo Kazuya said “any harassment and actions which increase tensions or disturb navigational rights are not tolerated.”
German Ambassador Andreas Pfaffernoschke, British Ambassador Laure Beaufils, and French Ambassador Marie Fontanel called for international law.
To this chorus of diplomatic criticisms, China’s reply was to warn the United States that it has “no right to intervene” in its maritime dispute with the Philippines.
It will take a leader with a higher degree of tenacity and leadership qualities to steer the nation through this turbulent sea, both literally and figuratively.
