Table of Contents
Rust Vessel at the Philippine Coast
China has been accused by the Philippines of blocking and water-cannoning its military supply small boat in the South China Sea on 5th August. There was a video surfacing on the internet where a small boat was seen cannoned by a large vessel. It is claimed that the PH Navy boat was on the way to resupply its Ayungin Shoal Outpost.
Well, China’s coast guard has rejected the claims and rather has blamed the counterpart for trespassing in their area and carrying illegal infrastructure materials. China is known to claim the whole area of the South China Sea which also has resulted in developing tensions with Vietnam, Brunei, Taiwan, Malaysia and the Philippines.
China Coast Guard has indisputable claim and sovereignty over the area and Spratly Island, said their spokesperson. They have even warned the Philippines to stop infringing on their waters.
The Philippines blames China for violating the self-restraint under the Doc 2002, this would rather escalate the situation and would require stability in the uninhabited islands, reefs and other features.
DECLARATION BY PHILIPPINE PARTIES
There is a declaration on the conduct of the countries in the South China Sea that was signed by China and ASEAN Countries in Phnom Penh in 2002. They basically stood for four factors: Reaffirming, Cognizant, Committed and Desiring. Although the parties show their support for the 1982 UN Convention on the Law of the Sea but it fades away with the activities that are being seen.
In 2016 the Permanent Court of Arbitration slammed China for its groundless expansive claims on the Sea.
Interestingly a few days back the Philippine President had welcomed China’s President Xi to hold a talk between the Philippine former President Rodrigo Duterte, the Chinese faction expressed an affirmative statement for both countries and expected that both will be going to work for the betterment even in their tough times.
USA AND THE PARTIES
ASEAN FLAGS
This year the USA has secured access to key military bases to position in the driving seat to counter and monitor China’s movement. The US already has access to five sites under the Enhanced Defence Cooperation Agreement (EDCA). The four Islands include Zambales, Cagayan, Isabela, Palawan.
Once the Philippines was home to 15000 US troops which were stationed at Clark Field and Subic Bay. Although not all of the natives were happy with this access.
The US Embassy in the Philippines issued a long statement and showed their support to the Philippines and blamed PRC for their inconsistent abide with International Law and blamed them for threatening regional peace and integrity.
They reaffirmed that any attack on the Philippine armed vehicle or any legit provocation will lead to invoking US mutual defense commitment under the Article IV of 1951 under the US and Philippines Mutual Defense Treaty.
CHINA AND MANILA
1.3 million sq. km that’s the area China claims to have control over the South China Sea. Manila 1999 intentionally stationed a navy ship on the Second Thomas Shoal in order to give access to Filipino Marine units.
A month back Manila accused the counterpart of harassing its moves in the sea during their naval operation. Although the embassy did not respond to the claims.
In the start of 2024, several Chinese companies were ready to invest around $ 14 billion in the renewable sector of Manila. They were interested in Solar and offshore mainly.
During the rule of Duterte, Xi promised to support the country’s infrastructure under the Belt and Road Initiative. The country is in dire need to develop its Renewable, The Energy Department in last October revealed that the country’s 42 per cent of electricity was generated from coal while renewable counted for around 30 per cent.
