The United States has called on China to stop harassing Filipino vessels amid the ongoing tension in the West Philippine Sea (WPS).
Speaking to journalists, US Ambassador MaryKay Carlson reiterated America’s support for the Philippines in its territorial dispute with China. “The chorus against threats to peace and stability in the South China Sea is growing louder and stronger each day,” Carlson said during her speech at the East-West Center’s International Media Conference in Manila.
US Urges China to Cease Harassment
“We urge the People’s Republic of China to cease harassment of Philippine vessels lawfully operating in the Philippine exclusive economic zones; to halt its disruption to states’ sovereign rights to explore, utilize, conserve, and manage natural resources in their territories and EEZs; and to end its interference with the freedoms of navigation and overflight of all states lawfully operating in the region,” Carlson emphasized.
Incident at Ayungin Shoal
On June 17, a Philippine Navy sailor lost a thumb and several others were injured after China Coast Guard (CCG) vessels repeatedly rammed Philippine Navy rubber boats attempting to deliver supplies to BRP Sierra Madre at Ayungin Shoal. The CCG personnel were seen brandishing knives, an axe, and pointed sticks. Videos and photos released by the Philippine military showed damage to the hulls of the boats and navigational equipment.
Philippines Responds
The Philippines has sent a note verbale to China over the incident, and the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) is considering summoning Chinese Ambassador Huang Xilian for an explanation. Defense Secretary Gilberto Teodoro Jr. condemned the incident as an “aggressive and illegal use of force by the Chinese forces.”
Partnership and Cooperation
Ambassador Carlson highlighted ongoing projects between the US and the Philippines, including the Philippines-US Cyber-Digital Policy Dialogue in July, which aims to reaffirm their commitment to secure digital connectivity and cooperation on cybersecurity. She also mentioned the expansion of maritime activities, citing joint maritime patrols in April.
Media’s Role in Territorial Dispute
DFA Secretary Enrique Manalo underscored the importance of accurate media reporting in the territorial dispute, criticizing disinformation and cyberattacks. “Genuine photos and videos – or those that are not AI-generated or digitally manipulated – speak louder and more powerfully than the myriad attempts at misinformation and the peddling of false narratives,” he said.
2016 Arbitral Ruling
Beijing claims almost the entire South China Sea, conflicting with the Philippines’ claims in the West Philippine Sea. An international arbitration tribunal in the Hague ruled in 2016 that China’s claims had no legal basis, a decision China does not recognize.