United States slams China’s latest hostility against Phl vessels in WPS

The United States has condemned China’s latest act of harassment against Philippine vessels near Bajo de Masinloc (Scarborough Shoal), calling the actions “unlawful.”

“The PRC’s (People’s Republic of China) unlawful use of water cannons and dangerous maneuvers disrupted a Philippine maritime operation on December 4, putting lives at risk,” US Ambassador to the Philippines MaryKay Carlson posted on X.

She reiterated US support for a “free and open Indo-Pacific,” standing in solidarity with allies and partners.

The Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) reported encountering fresh aggression from Chinese forces during a routine patrol aimed at supporting Filipino fishermen in the area.

According to Commodore Jay Tarriela, spokesperson for the West Philippine Sea, the incident began around 6:30 a.m. when a Chinese Coast Guard (CCG) vessel targeted the BRP Datu Pagbuaya with a water cannon, hitting its navigational antennas.

The same ship was sideswiped on its starboard side before being attacked again at 6:55 a.m.

Other PCG vessels, including the BRP Teresa Magbanua, faced aggressive blocking, shadowing, and dangerous maneuvers by Chinese Coast Guard and People’s Liberation Army Navy vessels. The BRP Cabra was also subjected to reckless harassment by another CCG vessel.

Bajo de Masinloc lies well within the Philippines’ 200-nautical mile exclusive economic zone (EEZ), as established under international law.

However, China claims sovereignty over the area despite its location 472 nautical miles from the nearest Chinese coast.

Philippine lawmakers strongly criticized the incident. Senate President Pro Tempore Jinggoy Estrada described it as a “blatant violation of international law” and a direct assault on Philippine sovereignty.

He urged the government to escalate the matter to international bodies and called on the global community to denounce China’s provocations.

“China should cease these hostile actions and engage in constructive dialogue,” Estrada emphasized.

Senator Joseph Victor Ejercito echoed the condemnation, calling the incident “brazen bullying” and a direct affront to the nation’s rights in the West Philippine Sea.

He highlighted the detrimental impact on Filipino fishermen’s livelihoods and underscored the urgency of accelerating the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) Modernization Program to enhance territorial defense.

“We need a minimum credible defense posture to put an end to these abuses,” Ejercito asserted.