The United States has denounced China’s recent activities against the Philippines in Escoda Shoal, describing them as “dangerous and escalatory.”
The U.S. government underscored its strong backing for its ally, the Philippines, in a statement released by Matthew Miller, the spokesperson for the U.S. Department of State, subsequent to what happened to BRP Teresa Magbanua with the China Coast Guard (CCG) in close proximity to Escoda Shoal on August 31.
“This is the latest in a series of dangerous and escalatory actions by the PRC,” Miller said.
He noted that China had consistently interfered with legitimate Philippine air and sea activities in the West Philippine Sea (WPS) throughout August 2024.
These actions, Miller stated, are part of China’s ongoing efforts to enforce its unlawful claims of “territorial sovereignty” over ocean areas where no land territory exists.
The United States has reiterated its call for China to align its actions with international law and to cease all destabilizing and dangerous conduct.
“The PRC’s increasingly aggressive actions threaten the freedoms of navigation and overflight of all nations,” Miller emphasized.
Furthermore, the U.S. reaffirmed its commitment to the 1951 United States-Philippines Mutual Defense Treaty, stating that Article IV of the treaty extends to any armed attacks on Philippine armed forces, public vessels, or aircraft—including those of its Coast Guard—in the South China Sea.
