Multiple countries slammed China's most recent harassment of a Philippine supply ship in Ayungin Shoal.
In a statement, the National Security Council (NSC) said that China rammed and towed a Philippine ship to preempt its resupply mission in the West Philippine Sea (WPS).
China Coast Guard (CCG) pinned the blame on the Philippines, whose vessel had "ignored China’s repeated solemn warnings" and allegedly "dangerously approached a Chinese vessel in normal navigation in an unprofessional manner, resulting in a collision."
"The Philippines is entirely responsible for this," the CCG added in a statement posted on WeChat, a messaging platform.
US ambassador to the Philippines MaryKay Carlson denounced China's "aggressive, dangerous maneuvers" which resulted in bodily injury and damage to Philippine vessels, and interfered with legitimate maritime operations.
The 🇺🇸 condemns the PRC’s aggressive, dangerous maneuvers near Ayungin (Second Thomas) Shoal, which caused bodily injury, damaged Philippine vessels, and hindered lawful maritime operations to supply food, water, and essential supplies to 🇵🇭 personnel within the 🇵🇭 exclusive…
— Ambassador MaryKay L. Carlson (@USAmbPH) June 17, 2024
The embassies of Japan, the Netherlands, France, New Zealand, and Australia expressed concern over and condemned China's aggression.
🇯🇵 reiterates its grave concern over the repeated dangerous & aggressive actions by CCG which put the🇵🇭personnel at risk & damaged🇵🇭boats. We stand w/ the🇵🇭& cooperate w/ like-minded countries in maintaining & enhancing the free & open international order based on the rule of law https://t.co/TsI3VpioQB
— Ambassador of Japan in the Philippines (@AmbJPNinPH) June 17, 2024
Irresponsible manoeuvres that endanger the safety of ships and crews call into question the freedom of sea routes guaranteed under international law. NL considers it of utmost importance that the 2016 arbitral award is fully respected and implemented. #UNCLOS https://t.co/pogpwRsHRN
— Marielle Geraedts (@geraedtsmariel) June 17, 2024
Seriously concerned following new incident in the SCS involving 🇵🇭 vessels. 🇫🇷 reiterates call for respect of the #UNCLOS and freedom of navigation. We oppose any threat or use of force contrary to international law and recall the importance of resolving disputes through dialogue https://t.co/mQdYHNSqpq
— Marie Fontanel 🇨🇵🇵🇭 (@MarieFontanelPH) June 17, 2024
Escalatory and dangerous actions by Chinese vessels at Second Thomas Shoal damaging 🇵🇭 vessels and obstructing assistance to injured personnel are of great concern. These threaten lives and safety. 🇳🇿 calls for peaceful resolution of disputes in full accordance with UNCLOS. pic.twitter.com/vPfA8nIW97
— New Zealand Embassy in Manila (@NZinManila) June 17, 2024
https://t.co/8uTOp3lySX pic.twitter.com/gua9f3LoCa
— Australian Ambassador, The Philippines (@AusAmbPH) June 18, 2024
Luc Véron, EU ambassador to the Philippines voiced out similar sentiments.
The EU 🇪🇺 expresses deep concern about the dangerous actions of the PRC near Second Thomas Shoal. These actions have caused harm, damaged Philippine vessels, and disrupted lawful maritime operations in the 🇵🇭 exclusive economic zone. The EU opposes coercion and intimidation in… https://t.co/1Dj9pSSNVA
— Ambassador Luc Véron 🇪🇺 (@EUAmbPH) June 17, 2024
