United Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin III has raised concern over the latest alleged harassment of Philippine vessels by Chinese vessels in Ayungin Shoal.
Austin expressed his concern over China’s “coercive and risky” habits throughout a name to Philippine Defense Secretary Gilberto Teodoro on Thursday (US time), based on a readout offered by Pentagon Press Secretary Brigadier General Pat Ryder.
“Secretary Austin noted with concern the PRC’s (People’s Republic of China) recent coercive and risky operational behavior directed against Philippine vessels operating safely and lawfully in the South China Sea, including around Second Thomas Shoal,” Pentagon’s readout mentioned.
On Wednesday, the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) mentioned two Chinese coast guard (CCG) vessels made “dangerous maneuvers” that might have brought on a collision with PCG ships aiding the resupply mission of the Armed Forces of the Philippines close to Ayungin Shoal on June 30.
Ayungin can also be known as Second Thomas Shoal.
During his dialog with Teodoro, Austin “highlighted the United States’ ironclad alliance commitment with the Philippines and reiterated that the Mutual Defense Treaty extends to Philippine public vessels, aircraft, and armed forces—to include those of its Coast Guard—in the Pacific, including anywhere in the South China Sea,” the Pentagon mentioned.
It added that Austin and Teodoro additionally reaffirmed their dedication to proceed upholding the rules-based order and supporting the livelihoods of native Philippine communities within the South China Sea per the Arbitral Tribunal Ruling in 2016.
“The Secretaries agreed to meet in person for in-depth discussions on defense and security priorities,” the Pentagon mentioned.
In 2016, the UN Permanent Court of Arbitration in The Hague, primarily based on a case filed by the Philippines, junked China’s nine-dash line declare masking your entire South China Sea, together with the West Philippine Sea.
China has refused to acknowledge the ruling. —KBK, GMA Integrated News
Source: www.gmanetwork.com
