Philippines military chief voices anger after latest Chinese coast guard incident in South China Sea

In a recent incident that underscores rising tensions in the South China Sea, the top military official of the Philippines, General Romeo Brawner Jr., expressed his dismay following an encounter between Filipino forces and Chinese coast guard vessels. The incident occurred over the weekend when a supply boat, carrying General Brawner and Filipino personnel, was subjected to a forceful drenching by a water cannon and encircled by Chinese coast guard ships in the disputed waters.

During a telephone interview with The Big Big News, General Brawner condemned China’s escalating aggression in the South China Sea. Despite these provocations, he emphasized that Filipino forces remain steadfast in their commitment to safeguarding the Philippines’ territorial interests in this strategically vital region.

Notably, the disputed Scarborough Shoal has become a focal point in this ongoing dispute. Over 100 Chinese government and suspected militia ships have converged around the shoal, a stark increase from previous months. General Brawner characterized this as “pure aggression” and detailed instances where Chinese vessels repeatedly obstructed their path, utilizing water cannons and physical contact.

General Brawner stressed the importance of a diplomatic solution at a higher level, but he also reaffirmed the Philippine armed forces’ dedication to fulfilling their lawful mission, which includes supplying troops on the frontlines and protecting local fishermen.

The deteriorating condition of the BRP Sierra Madre, a Philippine navy ship grounded at Scarborough Shoal, adds complexity to the situation. Despite its state of disrepair, the ship retains its status as an actively commissioned vessel, making any assault on it a potential act of war. The Sierra Madre symbolizes the Philippines’ territorial claims in the South China Sea, which directly conflict with China’s expansive assertions in the region.

The United States, committed to defending its oldest treaty ally in Asia, the Philippines, has reiterated its obligation to intervene if Filipino forces face armed aggression, including in the South China Sea. China, on the other hand, has repeatedly warned against external interference in what it considers a regional dispute.

During his visit, General Brawner conveyed Christmas greetings from President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. to the Filipino forces stationed aboard the BRP Sierra Madre. He even shared a traditional rice lunch with them, emphasizing solidarity in the face of adversity.

Over the weekend, the Chinese coast guard, along with suspected militia ships, engaged in provocative actions, including water cannon blasts and collisions with Philippine vessels. This led to significant damage to the Philippine supply boat M/L Kalayaan, which had to be towed back to Palawan. Additionally, one of the Philippine coast guard escort ships, the BRP Cabra, suffered damage to its mast due to the water cannon blast.

In response to these incidents, the Philippines, along with the United States and Japan, condemned the actions of the Chinese coast guard and its accompanying vessels. The Philippine government emphasized that these actions constituted unprovoked acts of coercion, endangering the lives of Filipino personnel engaged in routine missions.

China, however, defended its actions, stating that it implemented controls in accordance with its laws and regulations. It placed blame on the Philippine vessel for allegedly making a dangerous turn and intentionally colliding with a Chinese coast guard ship.

The United States, through Ambassador MaryKay L. Carlson, expressed strong support for the Philippines, condemning China’s repeated illegal and dangerous actions against vessels in the region.

China has consistently rejected international criticism and legal interventions, including a 2016 ruling by a U.N.-backed arbitration tribunal that invalidated its territorial claims. China maintains that it has the legal right to defend its sovereignty in line with its expansive South China Sea claims.

This latest incident underscores the volatile nature of the South China Sea dispute, with the involvement of major regional players and the potential for further escalation in an already tense region.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about South China Sea tensions

More about South China Sea tensions

• South China Sea Dispute – Council on Foreign Relations
• Philippines-U.S. Mutual Defense Treaty – U.S. Department of State
• United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS) – United Nations
• China’s Territorial Claims in South China Sea – BBC News
• Recent Developments in South China Sea – The Diplomat
• U.S.-China Relations – Council on Foreign Relations
• Tensions Rise in South China Sea – Reuters