Many other countries have shown support for the Philippines after a Chinese vessel targeted the Philippine Coast Guard in the Ayungin Shoal, which is part of Manila’s exclusive economic zone (EEZ), with a military-grade laser.
The incident occurred on February 6th while the BRP Malapascua (MRRV-4403) was assisting the Philippine Navy in a “rotation and resupply mission.”
“Canada underscores its firm & unwavering support for the Philippines in the face of coercive actions of the People’s Republic of China in the South China Sea. As a Party to UNCLOS, the PRC must comply with its obligations, including notably the 2016 [South China Sea] Arbitration Decision,” said Canadian Ambassador to the Philippines David Hartman.
“Recent actions that disrupted the lawful operations of Philippine vessels off the coast of the Philippines are in violation of international law and contrary to the maintenance of regional peace and stability, and the rules-based international order.”
The Canadian Embassy points to the Philippines’ victory in the 2016 Permanent Court of Arbitration, which upheld the West Philippine Sea as part of the Philippines’ EEZ. It also disputed Beijing’s nine-dash line claim to large parts of the South China Sea.
Despite this, China ignores it and maintains that their coast guard did the right thing because they were only protecting their “territory” and “maritime rights.”
The United States initially called China’s action “provocative” and “unsafe”, something that temporarily blinded Filipinos.
Canada, Japan and Australia alarmed by Beijing’s laser attack on Philippine Coast Guard
It was only Tuesday that the Department of Foreign Affairs formally filed a diplomatic protest against the Chinese aggression in the waters that should be administered by the Philippines. President Bongbong Marcos also summoned Chinese Ambassador Huang Xilian to express his “serious concern” over what is happening in the West Philippine Sea.
Like Canada, Australia and Japan have also shown their support for the Philippines amid harassment.
“Australia shares concerns about unsafe and intimidating actions directed against the Philippines. We continue to call for peace, stability and respect for international law in the South China Sea, a vital international waterway,” said Australian Ambassador to the Philippines Hae Kyong Yu yesterday.
Japanese Ambassador to the Philippines Koshikawa Kazukuko also issued a similar statement last night:
“We express serious concerns about dangerous behavior against PH vessels. All states should respect maritime order based on international law, in particular UNCLOS, and recall that the 2016 Arbitral Award is final and legally binding. We firmly oppose any action that increases tensions.”
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