25-3-2024 (MANILA) The Philippines’ Defence Minister issued a bold challenge to China on Monday, urging the nation to submit its claims of sovereignty in the South China Sea to international arbitration following a recent standoff. This move came amidst escalating tensions as the Philippine Foreign Ministry summoned the Charge d’affaires of the Chinese embassy and directed its mission in Beijing to formally complain about “aggressive actions” by China’s coastguard.
The ministry asserted that China had no rightful presence in the Second Thomas Shoal in the South China Sea, describing its interference with the Philippines’ routine resupply mission there last week as “unacceptable”. China, in turn, accused the Philippines of encroachment and defended its actions as necessary measures.
According to Philippine officials, China’s coastguard employed water cannon against a civilian boat supplying troops stationed on a grounded warship at the disputed Second Thomas Shoal. This resulted in damage to the resupply boat and injuries to some crew members, marking the latest incident in a series of confrontations over the past year.
“If China is confident in its claims, why not settle them through international law arbitration?,” questioned Philippine Defence Secretary Gilberto Teodoro during a press briefing.
China’s coastguard maintained that its actions were justified, prompting its defence ministry to call on the Philippines to halt “provocative actions” and refrain from comments that could escalate conflict.
#China Coast Guard blasting water cannons at #Philippines supply vessel Unaizah May 4 during a resupply mission to Ayungin (Second Thomas) Shoal in the West Philippine Sea on March 23.
Unaizah May 4 was severely damaged by the water cannons.pic.twitter.com/a7MTnGMJrP
— Indo-Pacific News – Geo-Politics & Defense (@IndoPac_Info) March 23, 2024
In response to the incident, the Philippines’ national security adviser convened a high-level meeting of top security officials to formulate recommendations for President Ferdinand Marcos Jr on how to proceed in the dispute.
China asserts sovereignty over nearly the entire South China Sea, including the Second Thomas Shoal, which falls within the Philippines’ 200-mile exclusive economic zone. Despite a ruling by the Permanent Court of Arbitration in 2016 refuting China’s extensive claim under international law, Beijing has continued to deploy hundreds of coastguard vessels throughout the region to assert its control.
Philippine Defence Secretary Teodoro emphasised, “They are the ones who entered our territory. No country acknowledges their claims, viewing them as attempts to exert force and coerce the Philippines to submit to their ambitions.”
