The escalating tensions between the Philippines and China in the South China Sea have hit a new high, as the Philippine Department of Foreign Affairs summoned Huang Xilian, the Chinese Ambassador to the Philippines. This comes in response to the alleged harassment of Filipino vessels by Chinese navy near the Second Thomas Shoal (Ayungin Shoal) and the Scarborough shoal. You can read more about the summoning on the official website of the Philippine Department of Foreign Affairs.
During the meeting, the Philippines requested that China:
- Direct it’s vessels to stop interfering in legitimate Philippine Government activities within the Ayungin Shoal and its offshore waters;
- Adhere to its obligations under international law, including the 1982 UNCLOS, the 2016 Award in the South China Sea Arbitration, and the 1972 COLREGS;
- Commit to its promises under the 2002 ASEAN-China Declaration on the Conduct of Parties in the South China Sea.
The diplomatic protest follows allegations by the Philippine government that a Filipino vessel carrying the Philippine Chief of Staff of the Armed Forces, was subjected to water cannon attacks and ramming by a Chinese Maritime Militia (CMM) vessel. However, the Chinese government has refuted these allegations via a statement on the China Coast Guard’s (CCG) official site. China contends that the region is not a shoal, but an island chain, therefore making it Chinese territory, contrary to a 2016 Permanent Court of Arbitration ruling which stated the area as a low-tide elevation part of the Philippine’s exclusive economic zone (EEZ).
The events have not gone unnoticed by the international community, with a spokesperson for the US Department of Defense decrying China’s actions. The US, which has a continued military presence in this area, supports the Philippine claim of sovereignty. More details about the US response can be read on the official website of the US Department of Defense.
This confrontation is part of an ongoing territorial conflict over the South China Sea, adding to the list of disputes between the Philippines and China. Notably, the Philippine government had lodged a diplomatic protest against China earlier in 2021. Multiple other nations including Brunei, Indonesia, Japan, Malaysia, Taiwan, and Vietnam have established competing maritime claims against China in this region due to its importance as a shipping route and its rich natural resources including oil and natural gas. For more comprehensive information on these territorial claims, you can refer to an article on the Council on Foreign Relations’ official site.
In conclusion, the recent activity in the South China Sea signifies not just a territorial dispute but a significant point of international contention with widespread influence over regional security, economic activity, and international naval regulations. As the situation develops, all eyes will be on the diplomatic and legal avenues for resolution that these nations pursue.