THE Philippines and China began 2024 with seemingly amicable talks during the Eighth Meeting of the China-Philippines Bilateral Consultation Mechanism (BCM) on the South China Sea in January.
Both sides agreed to “improve maritime communication, manage disputes through consultation, and mutually handle emergencies in areas like Ayungin Shoal.”
However, by mid-year, these agreements were overshadowed by escalating tensions and repeated provocative act by China in the disputed West Philippine Sea (WPS).
Confrontation at the Ayungin Shoal on June 17 shocked the international community. Departing from the usual tactics of water cannon use, ramming, and towing boats, a Chinese Coast Guard (CCG) vessel further escalated tensions by severing the thumb of Seaman First Class Jeffrey Facundo of the Philippine Navy (PN) and confiscating eight high-powered firearms.
The CCG also punctured rigid hull inflatable boats (RHIBs) of the Navy critical for resupply missions.
These unprecedented actions drew condemnation from the United States and other allies such as the European Union, Australia, Japan, and the United Kingdom, who denounced China’s “aggressive, dangerous maneuvers” that injured Philippine personnel and obstructed lawful maritime operations.
“The US condemns the PRC’s (People’s Republic of China) aggressive, dangerous maneuvers near Ayungin Shoal, which caused bodily injury, damaged Philippine vessels, and hindered lawful maritime operations to supply food, water, and essential supplies to personnel within the exclusive economic zone,” US Ambassador to the Philippines MaryKay Carlson said.
US Press Secretary Maj. Gen. 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, assuring its “ironclad” commitment to the Philippines.
China’s provocations expanded to the Escoda Shoal, another emerging flashpoint in the WPS this year.
CCG vessels collided with Philippine Navy ships BRP Bagacay and BRP Cape Engaño in August amid China’s protest on the deployment of BRP Teresa Magbanua to the area.
The same week, the Philippines reported a sharp rise in Chinese vessels near Escoda Shoal, including 53 Chinese Maritime Militia Vessels, nine CCG ships, and nine People’s Liberation Army Navy warships.
Despite these Chinese aggressions, Philippine Navy Rear Admiral Roy Vincent Trinidad gave assurance that the country remains “undeterred” in asserting its sovereign rights.
Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) Secretary Enrique Manalo hinted at the possibility of filing a new arbitral case after a CCG vessel that “intentionally rammed” BRP Teresa Magbanua.
“We have made the necessary approaches to China in terms of contacting them through various means to express our complaint and displeasure at what happened. And not only that, our concern about raising tensions over what was basically just innocent movement by Philippines vessel,” Manalo said.
The G7 and other international allies rallied behind the Philippines. The EU denounced China’s actions as violations of international law, specifically the 2016 Arbitral Award and the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS).
Japan called for adherence to international law, while New Zealand labelled the ramming of Philippine vessels as part of a “recent pattern of destabilizing actions” in the region.
In October, tensions flared anew when a Chinese vessel sideswiped a Philippine Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) ship near Pag-asa Island, causing minor damage.
The BFAR reported that the incident occurred during a routine maritime patrol as China engaged in “dangerous maneuvers” to block its path, coinciding with the ASEAN Summit.
China’s aggression extended beyond maritime confrontations. Beijing issued multiple warnings over Manila’s plans to acquire US-made Typhon mid-range missile system, which would enhance the Philippines’ defense capabilities within its exclusive economic zone.
“Any deployment and procurement of assets related to the Philippines’ security and defense fall within its sovereign prerogative,” Secretary of National Defense Gilberto Teodoro asserted.
Teodoro criticized China’s “saber-rattling” and called for the withdrawal of its illegal presence within the Philippines’ waters.
“If the Chinese Communist Party is truly intent on reducing tensions, they should stop their provocative actions,” he said.
Thus far, the Philippines has filed 60 diplomatic protests against China in 2024 alone, bringing the total to 193 under President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s administration.
Despite repeated provocations, the Philippine government has pledged to uphold its sovereignty and pursue international support to counter China’s aggressive actions in the WPS.
