USA (Transatlantic Today) – US Secretary of State Antony Blinken reaffirmed America’s strong commitment to defending the Philippines following a recent confrontation between Philippine and Chinese vessels in the South China Sea. This statement was made after the Philippine Army released images of the incident, which occurred near the Second Thomas Atoll.
Condemnation of Chinese Actions
According to Infobae, Enrique A. Manalo, the foreign secretary of the Philippines, was called by Blinken, who denounced China’s activities as “dangerous and irresponsible.” Blinken’s critique and his reaffirmation of support for the Philippines—a longtime ally under the Mutual Defense Treaty—were brought to light by the US State Department.
Details of the Incident
The altercation took place on Monday in waters around the disputed Second Thomas Atoll. The Philippine Army accused the Chinese coast guard of deliberately damaging their inflatable boats and seizing weapons, resulting in serious injuries to a Filipino sailor. The Philippine Army released videos and photos showing Chinese coast guard ships encircling and attacking Philippine supply boats engaged in resupply missions on the atoll.
Historical Context and Ongoing Disputes
Since 1999, the Philippines has maintained a small contingent of troops on the Sierra Madre, a ship deliberately grounded on the Second Thomas Atoll, a move China has consistently protested. Incidents like this are frequent in the South China Sea, a region critical for global trade and rich in resources. The area sees regular confrontations between Chinese and Philippine vessels, leading to heightened tensions and exchanges of accusations.
Chinese and Philippine Claims
China reported that the collision occurred because the Philippine ships ignored repeated warnings and approached Chinese vessels recklessly, a claim denied by Manila. The South China Sea disputes extend beyond the Second Thomas Atoll, with both nations also contesting sovereignty over the Scarborough Reef and parts of the Spratly Islands, along with Brunei, Malaysia, Vietnam, and Taiwan.
Geopolitical Implications
The Philippines confirms that the atolls lie within its 200 nautical mile exclusive economic zone, as defined by international law, granting it rights to resource exploitation. Conversely, China justifies its expansive claims over the entire South China Sea on historical grounds. Tensions have been exacerbated since President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. took office in 2022, boosting the Philippines’ military alliance with the United States.
Given their competing claims and the wider ramifications for international maritime law and regional security, China and the Philippines’ ties are still under strain due to this protracted naval dispute.
