The United States has strongly condemned China’s aggressive actions near the disputed Escoda Shoal, where Chinese vessels deliberately collided with two Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) ships, endangering the lives of the crew members onboard.
Vedant Patel, principal deputy spokesperson of the U.S. Department of State, stated in a press release that the United States stands with its ally, the Philippines, and condemns the People’s Republic of China’s (PRC) dangerous actions against lawful maritime operations in the West Philippine Sea on August 19.
“PRC ships employed reckless maneuvers, deliberately colliding with two Philippine Coast Guard ships, causing structural damage and jeopardizing the safety of the crew onboard,” he said in the release.
“These actions are the latest examples of the PRC using dangerous and escalatory measures to enforce its expansive and unlawful South China Sea maritime claims. The United States calls upon the PRC to abide by international law and desist from its dangerous and destabilizing conduct,” Patel added.
The U.S. reaffirmed its commitment to defend the country under the 1951 U.S.-Philippines Mutual Defense Treaty (MDT). Article IV of the MDT specifies that each country would come to the aid of the other if either is attacked in the South China Sea area.
In the latest incident in the West Philippine Sea, two PCG vessels, BRP Bagacay and BRP Cape Engaño, collided with China Coast Guard (CCG) ships due to what was described by Commodore Jay Tarriela of the National Task Force for the West Philippine Sea (NTF WPS) as “dangerous and illegal maneuvers” by the CCG. The incidents occurred southeast of Escoda Shoal, also known as Sabina Shoal.
The BRP Cape Engaño sustained structural damage when it was rammed by a CCG vessel, while the BRP Bagacay was also damaged after being rammed twice by another CCG ship.
Despite the damages, both PCG vessels continued their mission to deliver essential supplies to Lawak and Patag islands, where PCG and Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) personnel are stationed.
The NTF WPS has called for restraint and adherence to international laws, including the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS), to prevent further escalation and ensure the safety of all vessels operating in the region.
