Increase in Hostilities
The Philippines’ military forces cast heavy allegations against China’s maritime militia and its coast guard on Monday. They stated that two of their vessels were intentionally collided with near the Second Thomas Shoal over the weekend. Reports from the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) revealed that the incident took place early Sunday morning. They claim a China Coast Guard cutter intentionally collided with their small supply boat during a resupply mission to their military base situated on the Second Thomas Shoal. Alarmingly, another small skirmish occurred on the same day. A Chinese maritime militia trawler reportedly bumped into a PCG patrol vessel.
Evidence and Reaction
The image of the incidents, though light in intensity, was captured in videos released by Philippine sources, showcasing minimal damage. At Monday’s press conference, Philippine Defense Secretary Gilberto Teodoro expressed his disapproval strongly. According to Teodoro, the collisions flouted international law as the Chinese forces deliberately hit and hassled the Philippine vessels. He emphasized the rarity of such incidents, marking it as the first conflict escalation at the Second Thomas Shoal. He terms this incident as the Chinese government’s serious elevation of their illegal acts in the West Philippine Sea; the term Filipinos use referring to their exclusive economic zone in the South China Sea.
Escalating Tensions
Teodoro was quick to point out China’s lack of legal authority to enforce law operations within their territorial waters and their exclusive economic zone. He revealed that the Chinese ambassador had been called upon to hear the Philippines’ objections. He sarcastically pointed out the irony of China’s conduct given its ongoing South China Sea conduct conference this week. The U.S. Embassy in Manila corroborated the Philippines’ allegations. They squarely placed the blame for the collisions on the Chinese forces for their dangerous and unlawful actions, but they did not directly accuse the Chinese forces initiating it purposefully.
International Claims and Responses
China responded to the controversy, asserting most of the South China Sea as part of its territorial sea, based on its historical involvement in the region. Notwithstanding, in 2016, the Permanent Court of Arbitration in The Hague concluded that China’s broad claims were discordant with international law. Responding to the Sunday incident, spokespeople from the Chinese foreign ministry blamed the U.S. and the Philippine government. They affirmed that their Coast Guard was lawfully hindering the passage of Philippine supply boats and that the Second Thomas Shoal was ultimately Chinese territory. They also accused the Philippines of violating Chinese sovereignty.
Uncompromising Stance
Monday’s editorial published by the Chinese government staunchly stated that no compromise or concession would be made on territorial sovereignty issues. The Philippines was warned against any illusions and heavy consequences were foreseen if the current situation persisted. The Chinese government compared the Philippines to a reckless drunk driver in the South China Sea, further escalating the tension.
