Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, December 10) — Foreign ambassadors took to social media on Sunday to condemn China’s “dangerous actions” in the West Philippine Sea, after back-to-back incidents where Chinese vessels fired water cannons at Philippine ships over the weekend.
“The US stands with the Philippines and partners in vehemently condemning the PRC’s (People’s Republic of China) repeated illegal and dangerous actions against vessels, including disrupting the resupply mission to the Sierra Madre today,” United States Ambassador MaryKay Carlson posted on X (formerly Twitter).
“PRC aggression undermines regional stability in defiance of a #FreeAndOpenIndo Pacific,” she added.
The 🇺🇸 stands with the Philippines and partners in vehemently condemning the PRC’s repeated illegal and dangerous actions against 🇵🇭 vessels, including disrupting the 🇵🇭 resupply mission to the Sierra Madre today. PRC aggression undermines regional stability in defiance of a…
— Ambassador MaryKay L. Carlson (@USAmbPH) December 10, 2023
The Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) on Sunday reported that a commissioned vessel on a resupply mission to Ayungin Shoal sustained “serious engine damage” after it was blasted with water cannon by the China Coast Guard (CCG).
This comes a day after Chinese ships repeatedly fired water cannons at Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources vessels on a humanitarian mission to deliver aid to Filipino fishermen near Bajo de Masinloc.
European Union Ambassador Luc Veron also expressed concern over the “deeply troubling” incidents and stood in support of the 2016 Arbitral Ruling that invalidated China’s sweeping claims over the South China Sea..
“The 2016 UNCLOS Tribunal Award is a valuable framework for peaceful resolution. Water cannons and dangerous sea maneuvers aren’t a legitimate alternative,” Veron said.
Another deeply troubling incident today, water cannons used again.
UNCLOS dispute settlement mechanisms maintain the rule of law. The 2016 UNCLOS Tribunal Award is a valuable framework for peaceful resolution. Water cannons and dangerous sea maneuvers aren't a legitimate… https://t.co/H7IvH4AuPB
— Ambassador Luc Véron 🇪🇺 (@EUAmbPH) December 10, 2023
The New Zealand embassy in Manila sees China’s actions as “real risks to safety and lives.”
New Zealand is deeply concerned at multiple incidents of dangerous actions towards the Philippines at Scarborough Shoal and Second Thomas Shoal. This includes obstructing civilian boats and the use of water cannons against Philippine vessels, causing significant damage.
— New Zealand Embassy in Manila (@NZinManila) December 10, 2023
French ambassador Marie Fontanel likewise aired her county’s concerns over the use of water cannons and reiterated their support for the 2016 Arbitral Ruling.
