The Office of the President of the Philippines released a statement recently, severely criticizing Chinese maritime forces for their repetitive and illegal actions in the South China Sea. The statement was backed by an additional announcement from the National Security Council of the Philippines, describing how the BRP Datu Sanday, a Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) vessel, was targeted with water cannons by Chinese Coast Guard ships while in Sabina Shoal. This aggressive move appeared to be an attempt to obstruct Philippine fisheries from receiving vital supplies such as fuel, food, and medicine.
This incident calls into question China’s commitment to international agreements designed to reduce tensions in the region. The Philippines’ National Maritime Council emphasized that China has not adhered to the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS), the 2016 Arbitral Award regarding the South China Sea, and other international laws safeguarding ships and aircraft.
- The United States and Japan both denounced China’s actions.
- The US has even indicated its openness to escorting Philippine vessels in the contentious waters.
In response, Chinese Coast Guard spokesperson Gan Yu claimed that the Philippine vessel had ignored warnings and was involved in a minor collision, accusing the Philippines of breaching the agreed Declaration on the Conduct of Parties in the South China Sea, established in 2011 by multiple Asia-Pacific nations including China.
Overall, the recurrent aggressions contribute to the longstanding disputes over the South China Sea’s control, despite various international efforts to diplomatically resolve these issues. For a comprehensive breakdown of the situation, see the detailed reporting by JURIST.