Military Refuses to Yield Outpost to China in South China Sea – Sky Bulletin
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The Philippine Navy remains resolute in not permitting China to dismantle a Filipino military base located in a contentious area of the South China Sea. This statement was made on Wednesday, following an incident where four members of the Philippine Navy were wounded during hostilities with Chinese ships near Second Thomas Shoal.
After the confrontation on Tuesday, a representative from the Chinese Embassy was called upon in Manila to express the Philippines’ stern disapproval of the incident. Filipino sailors have been stationed on a derelict ship in Second Thomas Shoal, which has acted as a makeshift outpost since the 1990s.
The United States has reaffirmed its commitment to defending the Philippines, their longstanding ally in Asia, guaranteeing support in instances where Filipino forces or assets are subject to an armed attack within the South China Sea.
Commodore Roy Trinidad of the Philippine Navy has stated that the Philippines will also oppose any attempts by China to build structures on Scarborough Shoal, another disputed region within the South China Sea.
Trinidad indicated that these declarative boundaries were set by the administration of former President Rodrigo Duterte and are regarded as actions by China or any other claimants that would trigger a vigorous Philippine response within the disputed seas.
The recent escalation began when Chinese coast guard and militia ships followed and obstructed two Philippine coast guard vessels, which were accompanying boats manned by Filipino Navy personnel, as they were on route to reinforce the BRP Sierra Madre, an intentionally beached warship in Second Thomas Shoal, now serving as a territorial marker.
China, claiming dominion over the same area, has since deployed a contingent of coast guard and militia ships to hinder Filipino reinforcements to the Sierra Madre, a rust-laden vessel that Manila still recognizes as an active commission of the navy—meaning any aggression towards it would be deemed an act of war.
During the standoff on Tuesday, a Chinese coast guard vessel deliberately collided with the Philippine coast guard ship BRP Sindangan, with the incident being witnessed by media personnel on board the Filipino vessel.
As witnesses of these occurrences, journalists were included in the trips to document China’s aggressive undertakings in one of the world’s most disputed waterways, a strategy initiated by the Philippine government last year.
Following the collision, another altercation occurred when a Chinese coast guard ship collided with a second Philippine supply boat, resulting in water cannon fire that injured four navy personnel on board.
Aside from the United States condemning these actions and affirming their support for the Philippines, other nations such as Australia and Japan have also raised concerns over China’s aggressive measures in the region.
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Contribution to this report by the Associated Press journalist Jim Gomez in Manila, Philippines.
FAQs about the Philippine Navy’s Defense of its South China Sea Outpost
- What is the location of the Philippine military outpost issue?
- How has the Philippines responded to Chinese actions?
- What stance has the United States taken?
- What happened during the recent confrontation?
- What is the significance of the shoal and nearby waters?
The outpost is situated on a ship formerly known as BRP Sierra Madre, grounded on Second Thomas Shoal in the South China Sea.
The Philippine government has declared strong protest and refuses to allow China to remove or obstruct military outposts or initiate new construction in disputed areas.
The United States has reiterated its obligation to defend the Philippines in the event of an armed attack on Filipino forces in the region.
During the incident, Chinese coast guard vessels obstructed and collided with Philippine vessels, leading to some Filipino naval personnel being injured by water cannon fire.
These areas are part of a long-standing territorial dispute involving several countries, with rich fishing grounds and potential energy resources.
Conclusion
The recent engagement between Chinese and Philippine naval forces in the South China Sea marks a notable moment in the ongoing territorial disputes in the region. The Philippines, backed by international allies such as the United States, has taken a firm stance to maintain its presence and resist China’s demands. This confrontation underscores the widespread concern over potential escalations that may have broader implications for regional security and international maritime law. Both nations, along with global observers, continue to closely monitor the situation, advocating for a peaceful resolution that respects sovereignty and international treaties.
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