China seems to want war, or at the very least show its dominance over all of its neighbors, as they continue to claim seas thousands of miles from their own nation. This is upsetting and confrontation with many nations, and now many are joining in with the U.S. to defend themselves against China
The United States issued strong condemnation toward China for what it described as “aggressive, dangerous maneuvers” in the South China Sea, following an incident where a Chinese vessel collided with a Philippine supply ship. This incident occurred near the Second Thomas Shoal in the Spratly Islands, an area embroiled in territorial disputes and claimed by both China and the Philippines. The area is considered part of the Philippines’ exclusive economic zone by Manila and Washington, although it is contested by the People’s Republic of China.
(via https://t.co/Fq7aqZoHZh) US, other nations condemn China’s ‘aggressive actions’ in WPS: The National Security Council said that China’s coast guard and maritime militia engaged in “dangerous maneuvers” which included “ramming and towing.” https://t.co/zG6cKUNOvL pic.twitter.com/PD3hOnm0FL
— All Philippine News (@newsphilippines) June 18, 2024
Ambassador to the Philippines, MaryKay Carlson, expressed disapproval on the social platform X, denouncing the actions of the Chinese vessel which not only resulted in injuries but also damaged the Philippine ship and disrupted its mission to deliver essential supplies to personnel stationed within the Philippine exclusive zone. Carlson emphasized the United States’ support for a “FreeAndOpenIndoPacific.”
Further reinforcing this stance, State Department spokesperson Matthew Miller highlighted the U.S. commitment to a 1951 treaty which guarantees defense against armed attacks on Philippine forces, including those in the South China Sea. Miller condemned China’s use of aggressive tactics such as water cannons, ramming, and blocking maneuvers, which he described as reckless and threatening to regional peace and stability.
US blasts ‘aggressive’ China over South China Sea collision with Philippine ship: An aerial view taken on March 9, 2023 shows Philippine ship BRP Sierra Madre grounded on Second Thomas Shoal in the South China Sea. Published June 18, 2024 Hong […] https://t.co/Cai1ptiUF5 pic.twitter.com/FHrPPqoAnZ
— Binturong (@NWMNBint) June 18, 2024
This condemnation was echoed in a discussion between Deputy Secretary of State Kurt Campbell and Philippine Undersecretary of Foreign Affairs Maria Theresa Lazaro. The U.S. officials reiterated the critical role of the U.S.-Philippines alliance in maintaining a free and open Indo-Pacific region and condemned the recent Chinese actions as escalatory and irresponsible.
It was confirmed by the PCG that, through the invitation of the Philippines, the US Coast Guard will start deploying its ships in the West Philippine Sea to assist the Philippines.
Surely China will not be happy with this. But this is just a reaction to China's aggression. pic.twitter.com/yoO0WmTm2P
— Max Montero (@MonteroMax) June 9, 2024
The incident has intensified concerns over a potential larger conflict in the region, especially as tensions between the United States and China continue to escalate. The Chinese coast guard, on the other hand, has placed full responsibility for the incident on the Philippines, claiming the Philippine vessel conducted unprofessional maneuvers that led to the collision.
Major Points
- The U.S. condemned China for aggressive tactics in the South China Sea after a Chinese ship collided with a Philippine vessel near the disputed Second Thomas Shoal.
- Both the U.S. and the Philippines assert the area is within the Philippine exclusive economic zone, a claim contested by China.
- U.S. Ambassador MaryKay Carlson criticized China for injuring individuals, damaging the Philippine ship, and disrupting its mission to deliver essential supplies.
- State Department spokesperson Matthew Miller emphasized U.S. support under a 1951 treaty, denouncing China’s use of water cannons, ramming, and other hazardous maneuvers.
- The incident has raised fears of increased tensions and a potential larger conflict in the region amidst deteriorating U.S.-China relations.
Fallon Jacobson – Reprinted with permission of Whatfinger News
