Atin Ito First Filipino Community Newspaper in Ontario
A group of US lawmakers is in favor of conducting more joint patrols with the Philippines in the South China Sea as its members called out Beijing’s recent intrusion into other states’ territory, particularly the Philippines.
Members of the US House of Representatives’ Foreign Affairs Committee on Tuesday (Washington time) issued a statement supportive of the Philippines after a vessel collision with China after the latter’s vessel blocked the path of a Filipino resupply boat in the waters off Ayungin Shoal on Oct. 22.
“We unequivocally support the Philippines and condemn the unlawful actions by the Chinese Coast Guard in the South China Sea,” the joint statement by Reps. Michael McCaul, Gregory Meeks, Young Kim and Ami Bera read.
“The Chinese Coast Guard and maritime militia vessels intentionally hit Philippine Coast Guard ships over the weekend and continue to violate international law, endanger Filipino crew members, and obstruct Philippine vessels’ access in their own exclusive economic zone,” it added.
According to them, such an incident “is part of a larger pattern of the People’s Liberation Army Navy, the Maritime Militia, and the Chinese Coast Guard’s aggressive and provocative behavior in the South China Sea, where it actively intrudes in other states exclusive economic zones.”
They condemned Beijing’s act of intimidation and welcomed the Biden administration’s plans to strengthen joint patrols with the Philippines and other allies in the South China Sea as well as its reaffirmation to uphold the Mutual Defense Treaty commitment.
On Tuesday, national security advisors of the Philippines and the US—Eduardo Año and Jake Sullivan—had talked by phone to tackle the sea collision, where Manila was given assurance by Washington of military backing in case of an armed attack on its vessels.
The phone call followed a statement from the US State Department that said Washington is standing by the Philippines on the incident. — Joseph Pedrajas
Credit belongs to: www.mb.com.ph
