The situation in the South China Sea is causing deep concerns, as stated by the Assistant Secretary of State for East Asian and Pacific Affairs in the United States on Saturday. He mentioned that the recent actions by the Chinese Communist Party in this disputed waterway have “seriously undermined stability.”
During his visit to Hanoi, Vietnam, Assistant Secretary Daniel Kritenbrink made these remarks, according to Reuters. Tensions in the South China Sea between China and the Philippines continue to escalate, with Vietnam also being one of the claimant countries in the region.
Kritenbrink, speaking at a briefing with some media outlets, said, “We believe that China’s actions, particularly its recent actions against the Philippines near Thitu Island, are irresponsible, provocative, and dangerous, seriously disrupting stability.”
“We will continue to stand with our Philippine allies,” he added. He also mentioned that the obligations between the United States and the Philippines under the US-Philippines Mutual Defense Treaty are “ironclad,” a message that has been conveyed to Beijing both publicly and privately by the US government.
On Friday, the Philippines accused China of interfering with its resupply missions in the South China Sea earlier this month in a forceful manner. Philippine officials stated that they are not considering invoking the Mutual Defense Treaty with the United States.
On Monday, as Philippine forces were resupplying on Thitu Island, they clashed again with Chinese coast guard vessels. The Philippine military reported that the actions of the Chinese side resulted in a serious injury to a Filipino navy sailor and damage to their vessel. The Philippine Department of Foreign Affairs condemned China’s actions as “illegal aggression.”
China rejected the Philippines’ claims, with a spokesperson from the Foreign Ministry stating on Thursday that the “necessary” measures taken by China were “beyond reproach.”
Thitu Island is located within the Philippines’ exclusive economic zone in the South China Sea. Kritenbrink emphasized the importance of every country in the region, including China, respecting international law and acting responsibly in maritime matters.
The South China Sea is a crucial maritime trade route worth over $3 trillion annually. China claims sovereignty over nearly the entire South China Sea, parts of which are claimed by the Philippines, Vietnam, Indonesia, Malaysia, and Brunei.
In 2016, the Permanent Court of Arbitration in The Hague ruled that China’s claims had no legal basis, but Beijing has refused to accept the decision.
When Kritenbrink arrived in Hanoi on Friday, Russian President Vladimir Putin had just concluded his visit to Vietnam, which received harsh criticism from the US. During his trip, Putin also visited North Korea, accused of arming Russia to support its ongoing conflict with Ukraine.
When asked about Vietnam’s foreign policy and hosting Putin, Kritenbrink stated, “Only Vietnam can decide how best to safeguard its sovereignty and advance its interests.”
Last September, during President Joe Biden’s visit to Hanoi, Vietnam officially elevated its relationship with the United States to that of a comprehensive strategic partnership, the highest level in Vietnamese diplomacy.
He emphasized that the upgraded US-Vietnam relationship is a “historic milestone,” and he hopes to maintain momentum to ensure that all agreements reached are implemented.
“We still believe that the US-Vietnam partnership has never been stronger,” he said.