Several countries, including South Korea, Germany, and New Zealand, have expressed deep concerns regarding China’s recent activities in the West Philippine Sea. These actions resulted in injuries to a Filipino soldier and damage to Philippine vessels.
In a statement on Facebook, the Embassy of the Republic of Korea in the Philippines highlighted the “grave concern” over China’s “dangerous actions” that caused significant damage to Philippine vessels and injured a crew member. The embassy emphasized the importance of maintaining peace, stability, safety, and a rules-based maritime order in the South China Sea, a vital sea lane for many nations.
Echoing this sentiment, the German Embassy in Manila condemned the “dangerous actions of Chinese vessels near Second Thomas Shoal,” which interfered with Philippine resupply missions within its Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ). Germany called for peaceful dispute resolution and adherence to the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS) and the 2016 Arbitral Award.
The New Zealand Embassy also voiced concerns, stating that China’s actions “threaten lives and safety” and urged for peaceful dispute resolution in line with UNCLOS. They condemned the escalatory behavior of Chinese vessels that damaged Philippine vessels and hindered aid to injured personnel.
The United States had earlier condemned China’s “aggressive, dangerous maneuvers near Ayungin Shoal,” which caused injury and vessel damage. Similarly, Canadian Ambassador David Hartman criticized China’s actions as destabilizing to the Indo-Pacific region and inconsistent with international law, urging China to respect the 2016 arbitral ruling.
British Ambassador Laure Beaufils and French Ambassador Marie Fontanel reiterated the call for adherence to UNCLOS and peaceful resolution of disputes. They condemned the interference with navigational freedoms and the escalation of tensions.
Japanese Ambassador Endo Kazuya reaffirmed support for the Philippines and collaboration with like-minded nations to maintain a free and open international order based on the rule of law. European Union Ambassador Luc Véron also condemned China’s actions, which disrupted lawful operations in the Philippine EEZ and caused harm to personnel and resources.
The Australian Embassy described China’s harassment as part of a “pattern of deeply concerning and destabilizing behavior,” emphasizing the need for adherence to international law for regional peace and stability.