Both Nations Refuse to Back Down on South China Sea Sovereignty
Overview of Consecutive Clashes on the 9th and 10th
China and the Philippines have been involved in a heated exchange of accusations following two consecutive days of physical confrontations in the South China Sea, a region marred by territorial disputes, occurring on the 9th and 10th. Both countries have consistently asserted their unwavering commitment to their respective claims of sovereignty over the South China Sea. It can be anticipated that the conflict between these two nations is unlikely to find a swift resolution.
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On the 11th, Hua Chunying, a spokesperson for the Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs, stated in a regular briefing that “A Filipino ship rammed into a Chinese patrol vessel,” adding that “The Philippine side’s acts have seriously violated China’s sovereignty. In response, the China Coast Guard took necessary enforcement measures that were professional, restrained, justified, and legitimate.” She added, “The Foreign Ministry has lodged solemn representations and expresses strong protest to the Philippines.”
Furthermore, she adopted a firm stance, emphasizing that the Philippines should cease its provocations and baseless criticisms against China. She reiterated calls for the Philippines to avoid actions that could disrupt peace and stability in the South China Sea. Additionally, she assured that China would respond decisively to any provocations and steadfastly protect its territorial sovereignty and maritime rights and interests.
Hua sharply criticized the United States for calling for a cessation of what it deemed dangerous actions by their country. She stated that the maritime dispute between China and the Philippines is a bilateral issue, asserting that no third party, including the U.S., has the right to intervene. Hua accused the U.S. of distorting facts and escalating the dispute, posing a threat to regional peace and stability.
On the same day, the People’s Liberation Army’s official newspaper, Jiefangjun Bao, claimed in an editorial that the Philippines’ actions infringed on China’s territorial sovereignty and maritime rights and interests. The publication maintained that China holds indisputable sovereignty over the South China Sea islands and their adjacent waters. It also criticized the Philippines for seeking advantages through underhanded means, asserting that these actions violate international law and the fundamental principles of international relations. The editorial concluded by warning the Philippines against actions that are detrimental to its interests.
On the other hand, the Philippine government contends that the collision transpired when a Chinese patrol vessel obstructed a civilian supply ship. Furthermore, they allege that the Chinese patrol vessel went so far as to deploy water cannons against the supply ship and the adjacent Philippine patrol vessels. Notably, Philippine military commander Romeo Brawner Jr. was aboard the Philippine vessel involved in the collision and subjected to the water cannon attack. This situation appears to have been a potentially precarious moment.
Considering various circumstances, it seems inevitable that China and the Philippines will frequently face similar situations in the future. The tension over the sovereignty of the South China Sea has become a hard-to-avoid reality and is likely to be the most significant risk factor in the region for the time being.
By. Soon Do Hong
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