NATIONAL
Advocates Philippines
U.S. Strongly Condemns PRC's Provocative Actions
Screengrab from PCG
In a resolute response to the People's Republic of China's (PRC) aggressive actions against lawful Philippine maritime operations in the South China Sea on March 5, the United States has voiced unwavering support for its ally, the Philippines.
PRC ships engaged in dangerous maneuvers and deployed water cannons against Philippine vessels delivering provisions to Filipino service members stationed at the BRP Sierra Madre.
The confrontations resulted in multiple collisions, damage to at least one Philippine vessel, injuries to Filipino service members, and posed a serious threat to the safety of the Filipino crew.
The United States strongly condemns the PRC's repeated interference with Philippine vessels' exercise of high seas freedom of navigation and its disruption of supply lines to the long-standing outpost. This latest incident underscores the PRC's blatant disregard for the safety and livelihoods of Filipinos and a consistent disregard for international law.
According to a legally binding decision issued by an international tribunal in July 2016, the PRC has no lawful maritime claims to the waters around Second Thomas Shoal, which is clearly within the Philippines' exclusive economic zone. The 2016 arbitral decision, in accordance with the 1982 Law of the Sea Convention, is final and legally binding on both the PRC and the Philippines. The United States calls upon the PRC to abide by this ruling and cease its dangerous and destabilizing conduct in the region.
Furthermore, the United States reaffirms its commitment to the defense of the Philippines under Article IV of the 1951 U.S.-Philippines Mutual Defense Treaty. This commitment extends to armed attacks on Philippine armed forces, public vessels, or aircraft, including those of its Coast Guard, anywhere in the South China Sea. The U.S. government urges all parties to exercise restraint and work towards a peaceful resolution of disputes in the region.
PRC ships engaged in dangerous maneuvers and deployed water cannons against Philippine vessels delivering provisions to Filipino service members stationed at the BRP Sierra Madre.
The confrontations resulted in multiple collisions, damage to at least one Philippine vessel, injuries to Filipino service members, and posed a serious threat to the safety of the Filipino crew.
The United States strongly condemns the PRC's repeated interference with Philippine vessels' exercise of high seas freedom of navigation and its disruption of supply lines to the long-standing outpost. This latest incident underscores the PRC's blatant disregard for the safety and livelihoods of Filipinos and a consistent disregard for international law.
According to a legally binding decision issued by an international tribunal in July 2016, the PRC has no lawful maritime claims to the waters around Second Thomas Shoal, which is clearly within the Philippines' exclusive economic zone. The 2016 arbitral decision, in accordance with the 1982 Law of the Sea Convention, is final and legally binding on both the PRC and the Philippines. The United States calls upon the PRC to abide by this ruling and cease its dangerous and destabilizing conduct in the region.
Furthermore, the United States reaffirms its commitment to the defense of the Philippines under Article IV of the 1951 U.S.-Philippines Mutual Defense Treaty. This commitment extends to armed attacks on Philippine armed forces, public vessels, or aircraft, including those of its Coast Guard, anywhere in the South China Sea. The U.S. government urges all parties to exercise restraint and work towards a peaceful resolution of disputes in the region.
Mar 6, 2024
