Recent Developments in the South China Sea Dispute
The tension between the Philippines and China in the South China Sea has escalated following a recent incident involving the Chinese coastguard.
Philippines Lodges Protest Against Chinese Aggression
The Philippines summoned the Charge d’affaires of the Chinese embassy to express strong protest over aggressive actions by the Chinese coastguard in the region. The Philippine foreign ministry also instructed its mission in Beijing to file a formal complaint with the Chinese foreign ministry.
Defence Minister’s Challenge to China
Defence Minister Gilberto Teodoro openly challenged China to submit the sovereignty dispute in the South China Sea to international arbitration, emphasizing Manila’s firm stance on the matter.
Recent Escalation of Conflict
The latest confrontation occurred when a Chinese coastguard vessel fired water cannon at a Filipino civilian boat heading towards the Second Thomas Shoal. The supply boat sustained damage, and the crew members were injured.
China’s Position and Response
China defended its actions as necessary and urged the Philippines to refrain from provocative actions that could lead to further conflict. China claims the entire South China Sea as its territory, including the Second Thomas Shoal within the Philippines’ Exclusive Economic Zone.
International Legal Perspective
The Permanent Court of Arbitration ruled in 2016 that China’s expansive claims in the South China Sea have no legal basis under international law, a decision not recognized by China.
