Tensions in the South China Sea have escalated following an incident involving the Chinese coast guard spraying a Philippine vessel with a water cannon.
The incident occurred near a grounded World War Two-era warship that the Philippines employs as a military outpost in the disputed region.
Philippines Deepens US Ties Amidst Maritime Tensions
While China considers the water cannon as a warning, the Philippines remains steadfast in its sovereignty stance.
The grounded warship, intentionally grounded in 1999 by the Philippines to reinforce its territorial claims in the Spratly archipelago, has become a focal point of contention between the two nations.
China asserts its sovereignty over a significant portion of the South China Sea, leading to concerns from neighboring countries, including Malaysia, Vietnam, Brunei, Taiwan, and the Philippines.
The recent water cannon incident is just one instance of several conflicts between China and the Philippines.
The Philippines accused Chinese coast guards in February of using a laser to disrupt another resupply mission for its troops.
These disputes have heightened tensions between the two countries, prompting the Philippines to re-strengthen its ties with the United States, which supports its maritime claims against China.
The Philippines’ President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. affirmed their commitment to sovereignty and territorial rights while abiding by international law and UNCLOS (United Nations Convention for the Law of the Sea).
In response, China’s Foreign Ministry emphasized its goodwill and sincerity on the issue while reiterating its request for the warship’s removal.
This recent incident adds to a series of complaints lodged by Manila against China. In response to Beijing’s request, the Philippines rejected China’s demand to tow away the grounded warship – a World War Two-era vessel now functioning as a military outpost.
The strained relationship between the two nations over the South China Sea has prompted the Philippines to reorient towards the United States for support in maritime disputes with China.
China’s embassy in Manila criticized the United States for escalating the South China Sea issue and the boat incident.
It emphasized that the region is not a platform for external countries to create unrest.
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China’s Moves Near Second Thomas Shoal Raise Regional Tensions
The Second Thomas Shoal, situated within the Philippines’ exclusive economic zone, is home to troops stationed aboard the former warship Sierra Madre.
The Philippines has accused the Chinese coast guard of blocking resupply missions to its troops, as evidenced by the August 5th water cannon incident.
China’s actions in the region, according to security experts, suggest a desire to control the Second Thomas Shoal, also known as Renai Reef, and Ayungin in Manila.
Analysts speculate that China might hesitate to use force due to concerns about triggering a U.S.-Philippines mutual defense treaty from 1951.
As tensions persist, the international community has expressed concerns.
Japan and France have voiced their support for a 2016 arbitral ruling that invalidated China’s expansive claims in the South China Sea.
The incident has prompted discussions between US Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin and Philippines Defense Secretary Gilbert Teodoro to address the alliance between the two countries in the face of escalating tensions.
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