West Philippine Sea Collision: China Condemns U.S.’ Declaration of Support To Philippines

The Chinese Foreign Ministry condemned the U.S.’ declaration of support to the Philippines after the collision of Chinese vessels and Philippine boats in the West Philippine Sea. Reports say the declaration was labeled as an encouragement to the Philippines’ infringement upon China’s sovereignty.

On October 23, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of China condemned the U.S.’ declaration of support to the Philippines after the collision of Chinese vessels and Philippine boats in the West Philippine Sea. Reports say Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Mao Ning labeled the declaration as an alarming attempt to support the Philippines’ acts of infringement and provocation.

An article in CBS News states that despite the ruling of the Permanent Court of Arbitration in The Hague in 2016 that disproved China’s claim over the West Philippine Sea, Mao maintained that the Ayungin Shoal had always been a part of the Chinese territory. Consequently, Mao accused the Philippines of violating China’s territorial sovereignty when the Southeast Asian country deployed a military ship to settle at the Ayungin Shoal.

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Support to Philippines Over West Philippine Sea Collision

According to Abarca, alluding to the US-Philippines Mutual Defense Treaty, Mao also disclosed that the U.S. dispatched military vessels and aircraft to assist the Philippines which became a threat to China. Mao reiterated that China and the Philippines’ territorial dispute over the Ayungin Shoal was an issue between both Asian countries about which the U.S. had no concerns.

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