United States (US) and United Kingdom (UK) respectively denounced the China Coast Guard&rsquo;s (CCG) blocking and <a href="https://www.dzrh.com.ph/post/pcg-condemns-china-coast-guard's-illegal-use-of-water-cannons" target="_blank" rel="noopener">water-cannoning </a>against the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) vessels near Ayungin shoal in the West Philippine Sea.
In a statement, the&nbsp;US Department of State pointed out that CCG&rsquo;s action is &ldquo;inconsistent with international law&rdquo;, and that this &ldquo;directly&rdquo; threatens regional peace and stability.
&ldquo;By impending necessary provision from reaching the Filipino service members stationed at Second Thomas Shoal, the PRC has also undertaken unwarranted interference in lawful Philippine maritime operations,&rdquo; it said.
The US Department of State&nbsp;reiterated that the US could invoke its mutual defense commitments with the Philippines once there are armed attacks on its public vessels, aircraft, and armed forces, including the PCG.
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
BASAHIN: Narito ang pahayag ng US Embassy ukol sa insidente ng pambobomba ng tubig ng Chinese Coast Guard sa supply boat ng Philippine Coast Guard sa Ayungin Shoal kahapon, August 5. | DZRH News <a href="https://t.co/ZCbItPAAQm">pic.twitter.com/ZCbItPAAQm</a>
&mdash; DZRH NEWS (@dzrhnews) <a href="https://twitter.com/dzrhnews/status/1688053654920818688?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 6, 2023</a></blockquote>
Meanwhile, in a separate statement, the British Embassy said that it is concerned by the recent incident in the WPS.&nbsp;
Similar to the US Department of State, it said that CCG&rsquo;s recent moves &ldquo;poses serious risks to regional peace and stability.&rdquo;
&ldquo;Britain stands steadfast in its commitment to international law, in particular, UNCLOS, in the South China Sea,&rdquo; the British Embassy said.&nbsp;
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
The UK is concerned by reports of unsafe conduct towards 🇵🇭vessels in a recent incident in the South China Sea. Such action poses serious risks to regional peace &amp; stability. 🇬🇧 stands steadfast in its commitment to international law, in particular UNCLOS, in the South China Sea.
&mdash; British Embassy Manila 🇬🇧🇵🇭 (@ukinphilippines) <a href="https://twitter.com/ukinphilippines/status/1688082989475930112?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 6, 2023</a></blockquote>
Aside from the two embassies, Japan Ambassador to the Philippines Kazuhiko Koshikawa also issued a statement regarding the incident.&nbsp;
&ldquo;Totally unacceptable any harassment [and] action which infringe on lawful activity of the sea and endanger the navigational safety,&rdquo; he said.
Koshikawa also joined in urging China to uphold the UNCLOS and 2016 Arbitral Award.
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
Totally unacceptable any harassment &amp; actions which infringe on lawful activities of the sea and endanger the navigational safety. We strongly support PH&rsquo;s position; upholding maritime order based on UNCLOS &amp; 2016 Arbitral Award. <a href="https://t.co/jQXeXwIZBm">https://t.co/jQXeXwIZBm</a>
&mdash; Ambassador of Japan in the Philippines (@AmbJPNinPH) <a href="https://twitter.com/AmbJPNinPH/status/1688049880445693952?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 6, 2023</a></blockquote>

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PH allies denounce China's water bombing vs. PCG vessels in WPS