The United States Department of Defense on Wednesday called the recent attack of China’s vessels on Filipino soldiers in Ayungin Shoal (Second Thomas Shoal) in the West Philippine Sea as ‘very concerning.’
Pentagon Press Secretary Maj. Gen. Pat Ryder said this violent behavior on the part of China is ‘provocative, reckless, and unnecessary’ and could escalate into something bigger.
“You’ve heard others within the US government say this — this kind of behavior is provocative, it’s reckless, it’s unnecessary, and as you highlight, it could lead to something bigger and more violent,” he said.
Ryder further emphasized that the US government will continue to stand with the Philippines as its major ally and protect its rightful, legal maritime claims in the area.
“And so, we are going to continue to stand with our Philippine allies,” he said.
“We condemn the escalatory and irresponsible actions by the PRC (People’s Republic of China) to deny the Philippines from executing a lawful maritime operation in the South China Sea,” he added.