8-8-2023 (BEIJING) Tensions have escalated in the South China Sea as the Philippine government accuses Chinese maritime authorities of using high-pressure water cannons to intercept and attack a supply vessel during its mission. On the 7th of August, Philippine officials summoned the Chinese ambassador to lodge a diplomatic protest in Beijing. In response, China maintains a consistent stance of “exercising full restraint throughout” and the Chinese ambassador to the Philippines retorted that “under the circumstances, China had no choice but to take necessary measures, and the Chinese maritime authorities acted in accordance with the law.”
The incident occurred when a Philippine vessel was carrying out a resupply mission on the 5th of August, allegedly coming under attack near the Ayungin Shoal in the eastern part of the Spratly Islands. The actions have garnered condemnation from the United States, the United Kingdom, the European Union, and Australia. However, China’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs on the 7th of August not only asserted its sovereignty over Ayungin Shoal but also placed blame on the Philippines and the United States, stating that Chinese maritime authorities “lawfully intervened and undertook warning enforcement measures with professionalism and restraint, which is beyond reproach.”
According to reports from Deutsche Welle, the Philippines accused China on the 6th of August of “excessive and discourteous” conduct that disrupted the supply vessel’s mission in the South China Sea. Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. revealed that the nation’s Department of Foreign Affairs had lodged a formal communication to Beijing along with video evidence. Despite China’s claims over Ayungin Shoal, the Philippines maintains an opposing stance and vows to steadfastly defend its position. Philippine officials expressed their protest by summoning the Chinese ambassador on the 7th of August in response to the recent highly contentious incident.
The Philippines alleges that China’s actions violate the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea and the arbitration ruling concerning the South China Sea, infringing upon Philippine sovereignty and jurisdiction. In response, China’s Foreign Ministry spokesperson emphasized that “Ayungin Shoal is an integral part of China’s Nansha Islands” and urged the Philippines to remove their military vessel that has been stationed there for “24 years.” China also reiterated its refusal to recognize or accept the South China Sea arbitration ruling and underscored its willingness to continue dialogue and consultation with the Philippines to handle maritime issues and jointly uphold bilateral relations and stability in the maritime region.
China’s Ambassador to the Philippines, Huang Xilian, met with Philippine Deputy Minister Theresa Lazaro on the 7th of August, reiterating China’s consistent position regarding Ayungin Shoal. Huang emphasized that the Philippines had engaged in a series of actions that have challenged existing consensus and disrupted the status quo, prompting China to express serious concerns through multiple channels. Huang stated, “Ignoring China’s repeated dissuasion and warnings, the Philippines insisted on sending its vessels to intrude into the waters near Ayungin Shoal. Under such circumstances, China had to take necessary measures, and the Chinese maritime authorities lawfully implemented appropriate actions.”
Huang further referenced the important consensus reached between the leaders of the two countries this year through dialogue and consultation to handle differences in a proper manner. Huang expressed hope that the Philippines would align with China’s stance and faithfully implement the consensus reached by the two leaders, urging the Philippines to cease all unilateral actions, thereby avoiding further escalation or loss of control. Huang alluded to the counterproductive nature of sensational tactics and third-party involvement, asserting that these actions would only serve to complicate matters further. Huang also disclosed that China had repeatedly proposed discussions with the Philippines on managing the situation at Ayungin Shoal, awaiting a response from the Philippines, and expressed the desire for both parties to promptly initiate talks to jointly safeguard peace and tranquillity in the relevant maritime area.
Additionally, on the 8th of August, China’s maritime authorities released footage of the incident, claiming that on the 5th of August at around 9:40 am, Chinese Maritime Patrol Ship 5201 utilized a water cannon for warning purposes against the Philippine vessel “You Nazar May 2,” maintaining a stance of exercising rational restraint throughout the encounter.
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Video: Chinese Coast Guard
