The Philippines accuses China of aggressive actions in South China sea
The Philippines on Tuesday condemned China’s coast guard for what it described as aggressive actions that undermine confidence-building efforts in the South China Sea. Alexander Lopez, a spokesperson for the Philippine Maritime Council, criticized China’s coast guard for allegedly ramming and damaging Philippine vessels during a recent resupply mission near the contested Sabina Shoal.
Lopez urged China to cease its aggressive tactics and adhere to international law. He highlighted the incident as part of a troubling pattern of harassment and infringement on Philippine sovereignty in the South China Sea. The incident occurred as the Philippines was conducting a resupply mission to two islands it occupies in the Spratly chain, which are also claimed by China, Vietnam, and Malaysia.
China has disputed the Philippine account, accusing the Philippine coast guard of acting in an “unprofessional and dangerous” manner. The situation has escalated tensions, drawing condemnation from the United States, which labeled China’s actions as “dangerous” and “reckless.” Japan also expressed serious concern through its embassy in Manila, reiterating its call for a peaceful resolution of the disputes.
China asserts sovereignty over nearly the entire South China Sea, deploying a fleet of coast guard vessels to protect its claims, which extend hundreds of kilometers from its mainland. An international arbitral tribunal has ruled that Beijing’s claims have no legal basis under international law.
In response to China’s provocations, the Philippines has intensified its coast guard activities in disputed areas of its exclusive economic zone, including resupply missions that Beijing views as deliberate provocations.
