The Philippines lodged a strong protest against Beijing and summoned a Chinese diplomat over a water cannon assault by the Chinese coast guard that injured Filipino navy crew members and damaged their boat in the disputed South China Sea. The incident occurred near the Second Thomas Shoal, where Chinese vessels are attempting to dislodge Philippine forces. Tensions have been high between the two countries, with fears of a larger conflict that could involve the United States, which has warned it will defend the Philippines as its oldest treaty ally in Asia.
The United States, along with the European Union, Japan, Australia, and about 16 other countries, expressed support for the Philippines and the rule of law following the incident. China accused Philippine vessels of intruding into its waters and warned that it will take resolute and decisive measures to safeguard its territorial sovereignty. The Chinese Embassy in Manila issued a statement warning the Philippines against further escalating the situation. Philippine officials expressed their strongest protest against China’s aggressive actions and demanded that Chinese ships leave the waters around Second Thomas Shoal and stop violating international law.
After the incident, Philippine defense, security, and foreign affairs officials met to discuss new steps to address China’s provocative actions in the South China Sea. Recommendations from the meeting would be submitted to President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. The Philippines has maintained a small contingent of navy and marines on a marooned warship at Second Thomas Shoal since 1999, but this has been surrounded by Chinese vessels in an increasingly tense standoff. The Philippines has been dealing with multiple instances of damage to their supply boat due to water cannon attacks in March.
The U.S. has deployed Navy ships and fighter jets in the South China Sea to challenge China’s claims to the region, even though it does not lay any claims to the area itself. China has accused the U.S. of trying to contain its influence in the region by strengthening alliances with countries like the Philippines and has refused to recognize a 2016 international arbitration ruling invalidating its expansive claims. Other countries with overlapping claims in the area include Vietnam, Malaysia, Taiwan, and Brunei. The situation in the South China Sea remains volatile, with continued tensions and confrontations between the various claimant nations.
