Philippines: The government of the Philippines has reported that two Chinese coastguard ships recently harassed Filipino fishing vessels operating within its exclusive economic zone (EEZ) in the disputed South China Sea. This incident occurred just before joint military exercises with the Philippines’ allies were scheduled to take place.
According to the spokesperson of the Philippine Coast Guard, Jay Tarriela, the Chinese coastguard vessels went as far as pretending to man their water cannon and threatening Filipino fishermen at the Iroquois Reef in April. Tarriela noted in a statement that, “This aggressive action stems from China’s greed and unfounded claim that these waters belong to them based on their imaginary dashed line.”
When referring to Rozul Reef by its Filipino name, Tarriela noted that it is located about 128 nautical miles away from Palawan and is thus within the Philippines’ Exclusive Economic Zone. The Philippines also calls the area of the South China Sea within its EEZ the West Philippine Sea.
In recent months, the Philippines and China declared several maritime confrontations, including the use of water cannons. The two countries were long immersed in a conflict over the resource-rich sea lane and faced off near the contested reefs.
After assuming power in 2022, Philippines President Ferdinand Marcos Jr, working towards strengthening the country’s relationships with the United States and other Western nations. He also took a firm stance against what he perceived as Chinese aggression. In response to the latest altercation, which resulted in injuries to Filipino soldiers and damage to vessels, the President announced that the Philippines would take appropriate measures against China.
The Philippines, along with the US, Japan, and Australia, will hold joint naval and air drills in the disputed area to counter China’s growing assertiveness. The drill would demonstrate their collective commitment to strengthening regional and international cooperation in support of a free and open Indo-Pacific. US President Joe Biden is set to hold the first trilateral summit with Marcos Jr and Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida in Washington, DC next week.
Japan, the Philippines, the United States, and India are set to hold joint naval and air force exercises in the South China Sea. The drills will involve all four countries, with anti-submarine warfare training included. The United States has pledged to defend the Philippines against any armed attack in the area.
Lloyd Austin, US Secretary of Defense, stated that, “These activities with our allies Australia, Japan, and the Philippines underscore our shared commitment to ensuring that all countries are free to fly, sail and operate wherever international law allows.”
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