New Delhi, India — Philippine allies and partners have expressed concern over the Chinese Coast Guard actions against two Philippine Coast Guard vessels in Escoda Shoal in the West Philippine Sea on Monday, Aug. 19.
US Ambassador MaryKay Carlson said in a statement that China’s aggressive behavior endangered the lives of Filipino coast guard personnel. “The United States stands with the Philippines in condemning the China Coast Guard’s dangerous maneuvers near Sabina Shoal that endangered lives and caused damage to two Philippine Coast Guard vessels. We are committed to supporting the rights of our friends, partners and allies under international law,” said Carlson in a post on X (formerly Twitter). ‘ ‘3’: ‘contentWidth’: ‘fit-content’ ’embedCode’: ‘
The 🇺🇸 stands with the 🇵🇭 in condemning the China Coast Guard's dangerous maneuvers near Sabina Shoal that endangered lives and caused damage to two @CoastGuardPH vessels. We are committed to supporting the rights of our #FriendsPartnersAllies under international law. pic.twitter.com/w7Hd9uDQY3
— Ambassador MaryKay L. Carlson (@USAmbPH) August 19, 2024
China accuses PH of disregarding warning
The Chinese Foreign Ministry has accused the Philippines of “deliberately ignoring” their warnings in Escoda Shoal. “The responsibility of causing the collision fully lies with the Philippines. China Coast Guard took necessary measures in accordance with domestic and international law. Its maneuvers at the scene were professional, restrained and appropriate,” Chinese Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Mao Ning said. China said it will be willing to handle maritime disputes through dialogue and consultations. “We hope the Philippines will honor its commitment, earnestly observe the understandings and arrangement reached with China, refrain from taking actions that may complicate the situation, and work with China to get the situation at sea under control,” Mao added.
