BEIJING/MELBOURNE: As tensions between the two Asian countries grow over their territorial dispute in the area, China accused the US on Wednesday of using the Philippines as a “pawn” in the South China Sea.
On Tuesday, Manila called in a Chinese envoy following reports that Chinese Coast Guard vessels involved in two crashes with Philippine boats, water cannoning one of them while on a resupply trip.
China said that a Philippine ship had “intentionally” rammed a Chinese ship, and it added that it “took control measures” against the Philippine ships’ “illegal intrusion” into its territorial seas.
When questioned about the US criticism of China’s activities as “provocative,” foreign ministry spokeswoman Mao Ning responded, “China urges the United States not to use the Philippines as a pawn to stir up trouble in the South China Sea.” She went on, “The Philippines should not allow itself to be at the mercy of the United States.”
Australia and Asean denounce acts that “endanger peace” in the South China Sea
China asserts its territorial claims over nearly the whole South China Sea, dismissing rival assertions from many Southeast Asian countries and an international arbitration decision that deems its position unfounded.
Mao declared, “China’s determination to protect its legitimate rights and interests is unwavering, and the Philippines’ attempts to infringe its rights and incite provocations will not succeed.”
Asian and Australia’s response
Leaders from Australia and Southeast Asia issued a warning on Wednesday against acts that could “endanger peace” in the South China Sea in the wake of recent disputes between Beijing and the Philippines over disputed waters.
This week, simmering tensions in the economic corridor threatened to explode after Chinese boats in the Spratly Islands were accused of harassing vessels belonging to the Philippines.China ignores legal precedents and rival claims from other Southeast Asian countries, claiming practically all of the South China Sea as its own. One of the most difficult security issues in the region is the festering conflict, which is a major distraction during the three-day summit between Australia and the ten Asean member nations.
In a joint statement, Australia and the ASEAN nations stated that “we encourage all countries to avoid any unilateral actions that endanger peace, security, and stability in the region.”
“We acknowledge the advantages of the South China Sea serving as a
sea of wealth, stability, and peace,” the statement continued. Enrique Manalo, the foreign minister of the Philippines, asked Beijing to “stop harassing us” as soon as the summit began on Monday morning.
The Philippine ships in the flotilla were allegedly being badgered by Chinese coast guard vessels the next day as they were on a resupply run.
Marcos considers a “big alarm.”
The Philippine Coast Guard reported that the Chinese vessels fired a water cannon at one of the resupply boats, resulting in two separate crashes. Pictures from the scene revealed that one of the Philippine ships’ control bridge glass had been broken by the water cannon.
While a Filipino military commander called the clashes “the worst” in two years, Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos expressed “great alarm” at the Chinese actions.
