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The United States has criticized China for “reckless, “aggressive,” and “dangerous maneuvers” after a Philippine supply ship was involved in a collision in the disputed South China Sea.
The incident occurred near the Second Thomas Shoal in the contested Spratly Islands, with both China and the Philippines blaming each other for the collision. The Philippines and the United States claim that this area is part of the Philippines’ exclusive economic zone, while China claims sovereignty over the territory.
In a statement, Ambassador to the Philippines MaryKay Carlson condemned China’s actions, stating, “The [U.S.] condemns the PRC’s aggressive, dangerous maneuvers near Ayungin (Second Thomas) Shoal, which caused bodily injury, damaged Philippine vessels, and hindered lawful maritime operations to supply food, water, and essential supplies to personnel within the [Philippine] exclusive economic zone.” She reiterated U.S. support for a “Free and Open Indo-Pacific.”
State Department spokesman Matthew Miller also chimed in, saying, “The United States stands with its ally the Philippines and condemns the escalatory and irresponsible actions by the People’s Republic of China (PRC) to deny the Philippines from lawfully delivering humanitarian supplies to service members stationed at the BRP Sierra Madre on June 17.” Miller added that Chinese ships engaged in “dangerous and deliberate use of water cannons, ramming, blocking maneuvers, and towing damaged Philippine vessels” were “reckless” and threaten “regional peace and stability.”
China responds:
In a statement from the Chinese coastguard, they said, “The Philippine supply ship ignored multiple stern warnings from the Chinese side … dangerously and in an unprofessional manner approached Chinese vessels navigating normally, resulting in a collision.” They added that the Philippine ship “illegally entered” waters near the Second Thomas Shoal which resulted in the coastguard taking “control measures” against the vessel “in accordance with the law.”
The Philippines responds:
The Philippines have accused China of being “deceptive and misleading,” noting that “The main issue remains to be the illegal presence and actions of Chinese vessels within the Philippines’ exclusive economic zone, which infringes on our sovereignty and sovereign rights.”
This comes as tensions between the Philippines and China have been growing over the last two years, with both sides accusing each other of escalating tensions in the South China Sea.
