23-11-2023 (BEIJING) Tensions have escalated in the South China Sea as the Philippines collaborates with “foreign forces,” a move that China’s military views as provocative. This comes in the wake of joint patrols conducted this week by Philippine and US forces in the contested region.
China’s military, asserting its commitment to sovereignty and maritime rights, issued a statement on Thursday vowing to maintain high vigilance and safeguard peace in the South China Sea. The southern theatre command of the Chinese military accused the Philippines of enlisting forces from outside the region for patrols, alleging that it has “stirred up trouble” and engaged in activities that undermine regional peace and stability.
Philippine officials confirmed joint patrols with the US near Taiwan on Tuesday, an island democratically governed but claimed by China. This move raises concerns about heightened tensions in the already contentious region.
The strained relations between China and the Philippines over the South China Sea have been exacerbated under the leadership of Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. The Philippines has been pivoting towards closer ties with the US, which has been supportive in its maritime disputes with China.
China’s foreign ministry spokesperson, Mao Ning, stated on Wednesday that China had warned both the US and the Philippines about the potential implications of their joint patrols. “China has made clear its position to the Philippines and the US that the Philippine-US joint patrols must not undermine China’s territorial sovereignty and maritime rights and interests,” Mao Ning asserted.
In response, a Chinese navy ship reportedly shadowed three US and Philippine warships conducting joint patrols on Thursday. The incident occurred near the platform of a natural gas field, approximately 27 nautical miles off Palawan province. According to Romeo Brawner, the chief of the Philippine armed forces, there were no challenges or dangerous maneuvers during the encounter.
“The Philippines achieved its goal of closely operating with its ally, the United States, and there was no untoward incident,” stated Brawner. The Philippine foreign ministry and the national security adviser’s office have not yet responded to requests for comment on the escalating situation in the South China Sea.
