On Monday, August 12, the Philippines urged the Chinese government to pay attention to the appeal from the Philippines to ease tensions in the South China Sea. The Philippines accused the Chinese air force of taking what the Philippines called “extremely dangerous” actions after both countries had agreed to better manage maritime disputes.
According to the Manila military, last Thursday, August 8, while conducting routine patrols over the disputed Scarborough Shoal (known as Huangyan Island in China), two Chinese aircraft made dangerous maneuvers in the path of a Filipino aircraft and even dropped flares.
Philippine Defense Secretary Gilberto Teodoro stated, “We hope that China (Chinese government) will abide by international law and listen to the appeals of the Philippines and other countries to ‘de-escalate’ its actions.”
Teodoro told reporters that “they will stick to their narrative, but we know that their narrative has no international support, it only consists of savagery, aggression, and power.” He called on China to abide by international law and heed the appeals of the Philippines and other countries to “rein in” their actions.
He mentioned that the actions of the Chinese air force were anticipated and are part of China’s claimed “continuous pattern” in the South China Sea to assert its claims and presence. “We should adapt to this kind of response,” Teodoro added.
Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr condemned China’s behavior on Sunday, August 11, while Philippine Foreign Minister Enrique Austria Manalo stated that a protest will be lodged on Monday.
The Philippines National Security Council also urged China to “halt all forms of provocation and dangerous actions.”
Romeo Brawner, a Philippine military official, stated that despite the “very dangerous” exercises of China, the Armed Forces of the Philippines will not be intimidated and will continue to patrol the waters of the Philippine Exclusive Economic Zone.
Brawner emphasized, “This is our right.”
Last Saturday, August 10, the Southern Theater Command of the Chinese military claimed that Philippine aircraft illegally invaded despite repeated warnings, insisting that China’s actions were professional and legal.
Over the past year, Manila and Beijing have had multiple conflicts at sea, yet last month, both sides reached a “provisional arrangement” regarding Philippine resupply missions to ships near Huangyan Island, agreeing to de-escalate tensions and manage disputes.
Beijing asserts sovereignty over nearly the entire South China Sea, including Huangyan Island. This claim has angered neighboring countries surrounding the South China Sea, who have disputed the boundaries of their exclusive economic zones.
The Permanent Court of Arbitration in The Hague ruled in 2016 that China’s expansive claims had no basis in international law, but China refused to accept the ruling.
(This article references a report from Reuters)