China-Philippines tensions in the South China Sea have risen yet again, with the China Coast Guard deploying a water cannon against a Filipino vessel en route to supply an outpost in the disputed waters.
The escalation further positions the region as one of the most worrisome geopolitical flashpoints in the world, with the U.S. backing the Philippines as China asserts itself in the area.
China on Friday again sought to thwart the Philippines’ attempt to bring supplies to soldiers stationed on a crumbling WWII-era ship Manila grounded in the area to stop Chinese expansion.
Though both sides disputed the details, videos appeared to show Chinese vessels surrounding, chasing, and firing water at Philippine ships. Multiple experts and media reports estimated as many as 38 Chinese vessels in the area, with nearly half engaged in the confrontation.
The last time China used water cannons against Filipino vessels was in August. However, recent tensions have seen the rare use of navy ships from both sides along with their more commonly deployed coast guards.
Reactions From Sides Involved
- WHAT CHINA SAYS HAPPENED: China Coast Guard spokesman Gan Yu said Philippine Coast Guard ships entered waters near Ren’ai Reef, also known as Second Thomas Shoal, without permission from the Chinese government. China has indisputable sovereignty there, Gan said, and the actions violate China’s territorial sovereignty. China will continue to defend the region and the Philippines must cease its transgressions immediately. China did not comment on the use of the water cannon.
- WHAT THE PHILIPPINES SAYS HAPPENED: The Philippines “condemns, once again, China Coast Guard’s unprovoked acts of coercion and dangerous maneuvers against a legitimate and routine Philippine rotation and resupply mission to Ayungin Shoal [Second Thomas Shoal], that has put the lives of our personnel at risk,” said Philippine Admiral Ronnie Gil Gavan. China’s actions go against international law and Beijing’s commitments to safety in maritime disputes, he said.
- U.S. SUPPORT FOR MANILA: The U.S. State Department said China’s actions are dangerous and violate international law according to a 2016 legal ruling that found China has no lawful claim to Second Thomas Shoal. The statement again reaffirmed U.S. Mutual Defense Treaty commitments to defend the Philippines in the event of an armed attack.
WHY IS THIS IMPORTANT? The much smaller Philippine maritime forces are easily outgunned by China’s formidable navy and coast guard. The U.S. has played a crucial role in limiting China’s assertiveness, yet Washington’s promises to defend the Philippines pits the two superpowers against each other in yet another area around the world.
SUGGESTED READING:
- Bloomberg: Philippines Says China Fired Water Cannon at Supply Vessel by Manolo Serapio Jr and Philip Heijmans
- Rappler: 5 Versus 11: PH Makes It Past China’s Blocking Tactics and Into Ayungin Shoal by Bea Cupin
