After two Chinese coast guard vessels carried out maneuvers against Philippine ships, the Philippine head of state reiterated in statements that he did not want to increase tensions with China.
The president of the Philippines stated this Monday that the country’s coast guard will avoid responding to maneuvers by Chinese ships, in a context of growing tensions in the disputed South China Sea.
“We have no intention of attacking anyone. The last thing we want is to increase tension.“Declared Ferdinand Marcos Jr., quoted by the local press.
The Philippine head of state assured that the ships will not install water cannons, nor will they carry out dangerous maneuvers similar to those carried out by Chinese ships against Philippine ships.
The statements came after two Chinese coast guard vessels fired water cannons and carried out “dangerous maneuvers” against Philippine ships, causing property damage, in the disputed waters off Scarborough Atoll last Tuesday.
We will not follow the path marked by the Chinese coast guard. The mission of the Philippine navy and coast guard is precisely the opposite: to calm tensions.
The territorial claims of the Philippines and China in the South China Sea overlap in the Scarborough Atoll and, partially, in the Spratly Islands, the scene of clashes in recent months between ships of both nations.
Since coming to power in June 2022, Marcos Jr. strengthened defense ties with the United States and criticized Beijing over sovereignty claims in the South China Sea.
In July 2016, the Permanent Court of Arbitration in The Hague ruled in favor of the Philippines in a ruling against China over sovereignty over Scarborough Atoll, located less than 321 kilometers from the Philippine island of Luzon, including, according to law international, in the Manila Exclusive Economic Zone.
Beijing did not comply with the decision, citing historical reasons for its claim to sovereignty over almost the entire South China Sea, a claim that conflicts with those of other countries including Vietnam, Malaysia and Brunei.
Through these strategic waters, where the United States defends the right to free navigation, 30% of world maritime trade passes. The region is also home to 12% of the world’s fishing grounds, as well as oil and gas deposits.
Source: Observadora
