The US has said that China displayed “irresponsible behaviour” in causing damage to Philippine vessels in the South China Sea on Tuesday.
Manila and Beijing have long been involved in a maritime conflict, which has escalated since Tuesday’s confrontation at the disputed Scarborough Shoal, where China’s coast guard used water cannons against two vessels from the Philippines, prompting outrage from Manila.
Comments from the US
US Defence Secretary Lloyd Austin noted on Thursday that the move had injured the Filipino crew and was in disregard of international law.
“We’ve been very clear to everyone, to include Beijing, that the kind of behaviour that we’ve seen, where Filipino crews are put in danger... sailors have been injured and property damaged, that is irresponsible behaviour,” Austin told a joint press conference in Hawaii.
He reiterated the US’ commitment to continue supporting its former colony the Philippines, as outlined in a 1951 Mutual Defence Treaty. “Our commitment to the treaty is ironclad and we stand with the Philippines,” he said after a meeting with his defence counterparts from the Philippines, Australia, and Japan.
I met today with my counterparts from Australia, Japan, and the Philippines to strengthen the historic momentum among our four countries.
— Secretary of Defense Lloyd J. Austin III (@SecDef) May 3, 2024
We share a vision — and we’ve charted an ambitious course to advance that vision together. pic.twitter.com/XBMQ1FjSH1
Comments from the Philippines
Philippine Defence Secretary Gilberto Teodoro refused to specify the conditions under which Manila might invoke the treaty, explaining that it would be a “political decision.” However, he added that the two allies were committed to building capacity and deterrence to ensure no such situation emerged.
“We need to assert our rights but in a manner that safeguards the safety of each and every member of the Philippines’ armed force,” Teodoro underscored.
Broad Context
For over a decade, China has occupied the Scarborough Shoal, a crucial fishing area utilised by multiple countries, sparking intermittent tensions with the Philippines.
Tensions have risen in the South China Sea, as the Philippines has increased coast guard patrols near disputed areas within its exclusive economic zone and strengthened ties with the US and Japan — actions Beijing views as provocations.
Recent incidents, including damage to Philippine vessels and injuries to crew members from water cannon use, highlight the escalating tensions between the two nations.