This photo taken on April 20, 2023 shows personnel of the Philippine coast guard onboard their rigid hull inflatable boat arriving at the Philippine-occupied West York island in the disputed South China Sea, to bring supplies to troops stationed there.
Foreign government representatives criticized China's activities that resulted in accidents between Chinese ships and Philippine boats in the West Philippine Sea on social media on Sunday.
The incident took place, according to the National Task Force for the West Philippine Sea (NTF-WPS), during a normal Rotation and Resupply operation to BRP Sierra Madre on Ayungin Shoal.
The NTF-WPS criticized the event "in the strongest degree," adding that the collision violated Philippine sovereignty, rights, and jurisdiction. It labeled the Chinese vessels' actions "provocative, irresponsible, and illegal" due to the fact that the incident "imperiled the safety of the crew" of the Filipino vessels.
One of the first foreign authorities to publicly defend the nation was United States Ambassador MaryKay Carlson, who said that China's actions endangered the lives of Filipino servicemen.
Canada, on the other hand, criticized China's activities as "unjustified," stating that China has "no lawful claim to the West Philippine Sea."
Despite what occurred, the Canadian Embassy appreciated the news that no casualties were recorded.
Luc Veron, the EU ambassador to the Philippines, also voiced concern at the event.
The ambassador of Japan also supported the Philippines. Australia and France both referred to the "dangerous maneuvers" that led to the crashes in the disputed waters.
The French Embassy demanded "respect for the freedom of navigation guaranteed by international law."
HK Yu, the Australian ambassador, urged "peace, stability, and respect for UNCLOS."
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What Happened?
According to Philippine officials, a Chinese coastguard ship and an escorting vessel hit a Philippine coastguard ship and a military-operated supply boat on Sunday near a disputed shoal, raising concerns about a potential armed war in the disputed South China Sea.
There were no casualties among the Filipino crew members, according to a senior Philippine security official, and both boats' damage was being evaluated.
The official said that if the vessels had not been able to steer clear of the Chinese ships quickly, the two events near Second Thomas Shoal, where China has frequently attempted to isolate a Philippine naval station, could have been worse. The official talked under the condition of anonymity because he lacked the right to make a statement in public.
Wide-ranging territorial claims made by China in the South China Sea, particularly those over islands that are closer to the Philippine coast, have heightened tensions and drawn the United States, a longtime ally of the Philippines by treaty, into the conflict.
As Philippine ships transport supplies to Filipino marines and sailors stationed on the disputed shoal, close calls with collisions have occurred repeatedly. However, this was the first time Philippine authorities stated that Chinese ships had struck their ships.
Chinese authorities have previously downplayed allegations that the vessels enforcing Beijing's territorial claims were paramilitary ships posing as fishing boats.
Related article: Tensions Rise in South China Sea as Chinese Coast Guard Chases Philippine Navy Ship
