Nations allied to the Philippines were united in condemning China over its latest water cannon attack against a Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) vessel that conducted a routine resupply mission off the waters of Panatag Shoal this week.
Several diplomats sent messages of support to Manila as they criticized Beijing anew for instigating yet another dangerous maritime incident that threatened the lives of Filipinos onboard BRP Bankaw and BRP Bagacay on Tuesday, April 30.
United States Ambassador to the Philippines MaryKay Carlson said China’s water cannons intentionally disrupted a lawful Philippine mission to provide food and fuel to fisherfolk within its exclusive economic zone (EEZ).
“The Philippines can count on U.S. support as #FriendsPartnersAllies to uphold freedom of navigation and international law,” Carlson added.
Ambassador Luc Vernon of the European Union (EU) also called out China for violating the international law with its continuing aggression in the West Philippine Sea.
“Dangerous manoeuvres, water cannoning, floating barrier, or any aggressive behaviours, is a threat to safety of life at sea, the freedom of navigation, and the prohibition of the use of force or coercion. In short, this is against international law,” he said.
The Embassy of Japan in Manila also expressed its concern over the recent incident in Scarborough Shoal. It said the latest actions of China, including the use of water cannons, against Philippine vessels undermined the safety of the ship and the crew.
France and the United Kingdom echoed similar views as they reiterated their call for respect of the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS) and freedom of navigation in light of the incident.
“We oppose any threat or use of force contrary to international law and recall the importance of resolving disputes through dialogue. We also recall the decision rendered by the Arbitral Court on July 12, 2016,” France said.
UK Ambassador to the Philippines Laure Beaufils said the UK condemns the dangerous actions of China. “We reiterate our call for respect for UNCLOS and adherence to the 2016 Arbitral Award, which is legally binding on the parties,” she added.
UK Ambassador to the Philippines Laure Beaufils said the UK is condemning China’s latest action and has reiterated their “call for respect for UNCLOS and adherence to the 2016 Arbitral Award, which is legally binding on the parties.”
Manila and Beijing have a long history of territorial disputes in the South China Sea, with several collisions involving Philippine and Chinese vessels in recent months, as well as the use of water cannons by the China Coast Guard.
The latest incident happened near the China-controlled Scarborough Shoal, which has long been a potential flashpoint, during a mission to resupply Filipino fishermen.
“This damage serves as evidence of the forceful water pressure used by the China Coast Guard in their harassment of the Philippine vessels,” a statement issued by the PCG said. – With Agence France Presse