The National Task Force for the West Philippine Sea (NTF-WPS) has condemned the aggressive actions of the China Coast Guard, which used water cannons to damage a Filipino supply vessel near Ayungin Shoal, causing injuries to its crew. This incident occurred during a routine resupply mission for Filipino troops at BRP Sierra Madre, highlighting the ongoing tensions in the region.
Despite the attack, the Philippines successfully completed its supply mission, reaffirming its commitment to uphold its maritime rights. The NTF-WPS criticized the unprovoked aggression by China, emphasizing the threat to Filipino personnel and the violation of international law within the Philippines’ exclusive economic zone (EEZ).
In contrast, China’s spokesperson defended the actions, accusing the Philippines of provocation and infringement on China’s sovereignty, citing the transportation of construction materials to BRP Sierra Madre as a contentious issue.
Amid these accusations, the Philippines maintains its stance on peaceful and lawful conduct in accordance with international law, including the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea and the 2016 Arbitral Award. The NTF-WPS insists on exercising the Philippines’ legal rights over its maritime zones, including Ayungin Shoal, which is part of its EEZ and continental shelf.
International support has been voiced by Japan’s Ambassador, who expressed solidarity with the Philippines and concern over the repeated dangerous actions by the China Coast Guard in the South China Sea.
The territorial disputes in the South China Sea involve several nations and remain a significant geopolitical concern, with the potential to escalate into a major conflict. China’s expansive territorial claims, invalidated by an international tribunal, continue to be a central issue in these disputes.