Pål Jonson, the defense chief of Sweden, spoke out against China’s dangerous maneuvers in the South China Sea during a diplomatic reception in Manila. He expressed concern over Beijing’s repeated dangerous actions against Philippine vessels, highlighting the threat they pose to global security and stability. Sweden is being considered as a potential source for supersonic fighter jets that the Philippines plans to acquire, as it shifts focus from internal conflicts to territorial defense.
China’s actions in the South China Sea, including the use of water cannons that have damaged Philippine vessels and injured navy personnel, have strained diplomatic relations between the two countries. Confrontations between Chinese and Philippine government ships have escalated, leading to collisions and other dangerous incidents. The Philippines has filed diplomatic protests and publicized Chinese actions in an effort to gain international support.
Despite the tensions, the Philippines coast guard successfully carried out a medical evacuation mission at a territorial outpost in the Second Thomas Shoal, despite being blocked and surrounded by Chinese coast guard vessels. The incident was captured on video, with the Philippine coast guard reporting that Chinese vessels intentionally rammed a Philippine navy boat during the operation. China has warned against any Philippine attempt to permanently occupy the shoal.
The Philippines has denied Chinese allegations of removing fishing nets cast by Chinese fishers near the shoal. The Chinese government has accused the Philippines of engaging in illegal, coercive, and deceptive actions in the West Philippine Sea. Pål Jonson emphasized the need for strength in maintaining peace, and highlighted the importance of investing in security and freedom.
Sweden has been strengthening defense ties with countries such as the United States, Japan, and Australia, in addition to expanding relations with the Philippines. Jonson referenced Sweden’s decision to join the NATO alliance, signaling a shift away from neutrality following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine in 2022. He reiterated the importance of upholding international law and regulations in the South China Sea to ensure peaceful resolutions of differences and reduce tensions in the region.
Jonson concluded by emphasizing the need to respect the United Nations charter, the U.N. Convention on the Law of the Sea, and other international regulations that protect civilians at sea. He underscored the value of peace through strength and the strategic investments necessary for maintaining security and freedom. Sweden remains committed to supporting calls for restraint and full respect for international law in the South China Sea, in line with the European Union and other governments.
