The United States Deputy Secretary of State Kurt Campbell has referred to Beijing’s activities near Ren’ai Reef as “military provocation,” and Washington has initiated formal diplomatic consultations with the Chinese Communist Party.
On Monday, during a keynote speech at the Council on Foreign Relations in New York, Campbell addressed maintaining the U.S. Indo-Pacific strategy. He also mentioned that the U.S. is closely monitoring a new joint defense agreement between Russia and North Korea.
On the 17th, while the Philippine military was carrying out a humanitarian rotation and resupply mission at the Ren’ai Reef, Chinese coast guard personnel were caught on camera “threatening to harm Filipino soldiers with axes.”
The Philippines accused Chinese ships of ramming Philippine vessels, boarding to seize weapons, and causing a Filipino soldier to lose a finger. Video footage showed Chinese coast guard personnel brandishing axes and long knives, swiftly approaching Philippine ships.
According to a legally binding ruling issued by an international tribunal in July 2016, Ren’ai Reef is located within the Philippines’ exclusive economic zone, and Beijing has no legal maritime claim to this area. Beijing has rejected this ruling.
Campbell stated that China’s actions are also testing the relationship between the U.S. and the Philippines.
“The most important thing now is for the United States to maintain a firm position, openly and unequivocally supporting the Philippines, both publicly and privately, making it clear that the U.S. considers upholding peace and stability crucial and that this should be pursued,” he said.
Campbell revealed that the U.S. is currently in discussions with more than ten countries on a joint approach to peace and stability in the South China Sea.
“At this critical moment, the Philippines is being very cautious. They do not want a crisis with China. They are seeking dialogue,” Campbell said. “They are seeking discussions, hoping that the U.S. and other allies and partners can clarify our goal of maintaining peace and stability, issuing very clear deterrent and assurance messages.”
Campbell did not elaborate on when Washington might invoke the Mutual Defense Treaty with Manila. “I will not speculate publicly. What I will say is that the importance of it is being reiterated at the highest levels and its relevance to these situations,” he said.
According to the U.S. Department of State, Campbell reiterated last week during a call with Philippine Deputy Foreign Minister Maria Theresa Lazaro that Article IV of the 1951 U.S.-Philippines Mutual Defense Treaty applies to armed attacks on Philippine armed forces, public vessels, or aircraft (including coast guard vessels or aircraft) anywhere in the South China Sea.
Campbell pointed out that Beijing is anxious about the defense agreement between Russia and North Korea.
The U.S. has observed signs of tension between North Korea and its long-time ally China following the signing of the agreement between Russia and North Korea.
Campbell suggested that Beijing may be concerned that North Korea could be encouraged to take provocative actions, potentially leading to a crisis in Northeast Asia.
“I think it’s fair to say that China is somewhat anxious about what is happening between Russia and North Korea. They have indicated this in some of our interactions, and we can see some tensions related to it,” Campbell said.
On Sunday (23rd), Campbell held a discussion with South Korean officials regarding enhancing deterrence measures.
“We believe that North Korea and Russia are discussing what benefits North Korea could gain from the agreement with Russia, which may be related to North Korea’s nuclear and long-range missile development plans,” Campbell said.
Last week, Russian President Putin made his first visit to North Korea in over two decades. U.S. officials noted that despite restrictions on the partnership between the two countries, it should not be overlooked.
Campbell also expressed concerns about China and North Korea’s efforts to rebuild the defense industrial base, which has been ongoing since the start of the conflict in Ukraine.