In a statement on Tuesday, the military spokesperson of the Philippines refuted China's claim that Manila is provoking conflict in the South China Sea. Responding to the accusation, the spokesperson emphasized that the Philippines is not encroaching on Beijing's territory.
The Philippines has denied any intention of provoking conflict. According to Medel Aguilar, who spoke to state-run broadcaster PTV, their actions are in accordance with international law as they are simply enforcing their domestic law. This involves adhering to the boundaries of their territorial waters and exclusive economic zone, where they possess sovereign rights.
Philippines Not Provoking Conflict in South China Sea
WEST PHILIPPINE SEA, PHILIPPINES - DECEMBER 10: A Philippine Coast Guard vessel escorting a ship on a resupply mission to the communities and Filipino military personnel stationed in the Spratlys, on December 10, 2023, in Palawan, Philippines. Escorted by Philippine Coast Guard ships, civil society and fishing community gathered in El Nido town to embark on a civilian-led resupply and gift mission to residents and military personnel stationed in the far flung islands in the contested area of the Spratlys group of islands as Christmas nears. The mission was cut short as China navy and coast guard ships present in the area prompted the captain of the Filipino supply boat to turn back, against the assurance of the Philippine Coast Guard to push through. China cost guard ships earlier fired water cannons and rammed another civilian boat performing resupply missions to Ayungin Shoal and a government fisheries boat in Scarborough shoal. The Philippines, the only predominantly Christian nation in South East Asia, has been celebrating Christmas for more than 400 years.
Comments have emerged following a statement by the People's Daily, the official newspaper of the Chinese Communist Party. The publication has accused the Philippines of relying on US support to consistently provoke China. According to the People's Daily, this behavior is deemed "extremely dangerous" and has had a detrimental impact on regional peace and stability.
In the South China Sea, a China coastguard ship was observed passing by a Philippine coastguard vessel named BRP Sindangan at the disputed Second Thomas Shoal. In a recent development, a photograph captured by Bloomberg has emerged, shedding light on an important event.
According to Aguilar, the Philippines has denied engaging in any activities that would jeopardize the safety of vessels and seafarers. Instead, Aguilar has pointed fingers at China, alleging that they are the ones performing risky maneuvers that occasionally lead to collisions at sea.
In a statement released on Tuesday, the Chinese embassy in Manila accused the Philippines of exacerbating tensions. According to the embassy, the Philippines' decision to dispatch construction supplies to its stranded navy vessel in the Second Thomas Shoal is the root cause of the escalating situation.
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South China Sea Dispute
The embassy has stated that the Philippines, with the help of external support, has disregarded China's goodwill and restraint. The Philippines has consistently tested China's principles and red line.
In a strategic move to safeguard Manila's maritime claims, the Philippines has been consistently organizing resupply missions for its soldiers stationed on a warship that was intentionally grounded back in 1999.According to Aguilar, it is they who are responsible for all the violations.
Tensions between Manila and Beijing have escalated in recent months, resulting in a series of maritime incidents. Both sides have been engaged in a war of words, trading accusations over these encounters. One notable incident involved China allegedly ramming a ship carrying the Philippines' military chief earlier this month.
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