The United States condemned China’s unlawful and “dangerous actions” such as “reckless maneuvers” against Philippine maritime operations near Escoda Shoal in the West Philippine Sea on August 19.
The US reaffirmed its ironclad commitments to the Philippines, particularly under Article IV of the 1951 US-Philippines Mutual Defense Treaty, after it was learned that Chinese ships deliberately collided with two Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) vessels in the contested reef.
“The United States reaffirms that Article IV of the 1951 U.S.-Philippines Mutual Defense Treaty extends to armed attacks on Philippine armed forces, public vessels, or aircraft—including those of its Coast Guard—anywhere in the South China Sea,” US Deputy Spokesperson Vedant Patel said in a press statement.
The US strongly urged the People’s Republic of China (PRC) to cease its expansive and unlawful claims in the region and to abide by international law.
“PRC ships employed reckless maneuvers, deliberately colliding with two Philippine Coast Guard ships, causing structural damage and jeopardizing the safety of the crew onboard… The United States calls upon the PRC to abide by international law and desist from its dangerous and destabilizing conduct,” Patel said.
G7 Support, Respect for UNCLOS
G7 countries, who are also prominent allies of the Philippines, expressed serious concern over the damage that China Coast Guard has done to Philippine vessels.
Envoys from the US, European Union, France, and United Kingdom opposed any threat or use of force in the Indo-Pacific region and stressed the importance of resolving disputes through dialogue.
“Concerned after the new incident in South China Sea today, which caused damages to PH coast guard vessels. France calls for the respect of UNCLOS and freedom of navigation,” French Ambassador Marie Fontanel said in a post on X (formerly Twitter).
“Any harassment and actions which increase tensions or disturb navigational rights are not tolerated. Japan stands with the Philippines by upholding rules-based order and peaceful settlement of disputes based on int’l law,” Japan Embassy in the PH stated in the same platform.
Professor Josue Raphael Cortez, a Junior Faculty member at the Benilde School of Diplomacy and Governance, highlighted the crucial role of international partners, particularly the US and EU, as “norm entrepreneurs.”
He emphasized that their pronouncement of support sends a powerful message to the global community, reinforcing the importance of upholding international norms and standards.
“The norms they wish to share to the rest of the world, although may not be applicable most of the time, serve as signals to the international community, and a reminder that violation of international covenants are widely manifested in what the Chinese vessels are undertaking against our deployed troops,” Cortez told Manila Standard in a message.
“On the other hand, given that ASEAN is hampered by the ASEAN Way in taking a more proactive role concerning the issue… the regional bloc cannot really play a viable role in deterring all these happenings, aside of course from promulgating Declarations/Statements from time-to-time,” he added.
Cortez emphasized the critical support the Philippines requires at this juncture. First, he stressed the importance of maintaining “close coordination” with international allies to ensure their assistance in upholding the 2012 International Tribunal’s landmark decision, which affirmed the Philippines’ rights over the disputed islands.
Second, he pointed out that the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) should continue to assert the country’s rights over these areas by maintaining dialogue with partners and relevant agencies.
Cortez also highlighted the importance of having the President, as the primary architect of the country’s foreign policy, lead these efforts, particularly in the event of any escalation.
