US rebukes China for 'provocative acts' that hurt 4 Filipinos in WPS

MANILA – The US State Department criticized China for its "provocative actions" in the West Philippine Sea, including the use of water cannons against a resupply boat that injured four Filipino service members while they were en route to Ayungin Shoal.

State Department spokesperson Matthew Miller said the US stands with the Philippines against these acts and is in "discussion" with the government about the latest incident.

"The latest actions, which are just the most recent in a series of provocative actions by the PRC (People's Republic of China), demonstrate once again a reckless disregard by the PRC for the safety of Filipinos and also for international law," he said in a briefing on Wednesday (Manila time).

"By impeding the safe operation of Philippine vessels carrying provisions to Filipino service members stationed at Second Thomas Shoal, the PRC interfered in lawful Philippine maritime operations and in Philippine vessels' exercise of high-seas freedom of navigation," he added.

The State Department said under the 2016 Arbitral Ruling, China has "no lawful maritime claims to the waters" around Ayungin Shoal as the feature is a low-tide elevation located within the Philippines' exclusive economic zone.  

"As provided under the 1982 Law of the Sea Convention, the 2016 arbitral decision is final and legally binding on the PRC and the Philippines, and the United States calls upon the PRC to abide by the ruling and desist from its dangerous and destabilizing conduct," Miller said.

Miller reiterated that the US is committed to the Mutual Defense Treaty, adding that this extends to armed attacks on Philippine armed forces, public vessels, or aircraft – including those of its Coast Guard – anywhere in the South China Sea.

Asked whether the use of water cannon and actions that led to the collision constitute an armed attack, Miller said he would not "speculate or get out ahead of any discussions in this regard".

The State Department statement came a day after the Department of Foreign Affairs summoned Chinese Embassy Deputy Chief of Mission Zhou Zhiyong to protest the Chinese Coast Guard's March 5 maneuvers, blocking, and use of water cannons that damaged Filipino vessels and injured four people.

The US Embassy did not provide specific details on the dates of talks between Manila and Washington DC but said there are regular conversations with their Filipino counterparts "at all levels" and that "these interactions were part of those discussions".

Think-tank Stratbase ADR Institute on Wednesday also condemned China's persistent and increasing aggression in the West Philippine Sea, which was highlighted by its latest attempts to impede Manila's rotation and reprovisioning (RORE) mission for the BRP Sierra Madre (LS-57) contingent.

In a statement, Stratbase ADR Institute president Dindo Manhit said these actions show China's blatant disregard for the Philippines' national sovereignty and territorial integrity.

Manhit said these acts also gravely endangered the lives of Filipinos at sea in the Philippines' maritime territory.

He added that China's acts of aggression, being unprovoked, are unacceptable and irresponsible.

"The Stratbase ADR Institute reiterates the legality of the Philippines' arbitral victory at the Permanent Court of Arbitration in 2016. This ruling is legally binding to all parties. China's continuous rejection of the arbitral award has no bearing on the legitimacy and supremacy of well-established international laws," Manhit stressed.

He also called on the government to remain firm in its assertion of the Philippines' rights in the West Philippine Sea.

"It should remain unyielding in its duty to protect Filipinos. With international law on our side, the Marcos Jr administration must take the lead in affirming what is ours and must continue to work with like-minded partners to realize the goal of a secure and stable region," Manhit noted. (PNA)