China Demands Philippines Remove Grounded Warship from Disputed Shoal
BEIJING/MANILA, Aug 8 (Reuters) – China has once again called on the Philippines to tow away a grounded warship from a disputed shoal, after Manila rejected Beijing’s earlier demand. The warship in question is a World War Two-era vessel that is currently being used as a military outpost.
Tensions between China and the Philippines have been escalating over the South China Sea, with Manila turning to the United States for support in its maritime disputes with China. In response, China’s embassy in Manila criticized Washington for “hyping up” the South China Sea issue and the recent boat incident, accusing them of causing mischief and discord.
The disputed shoal, known as the Second Thomas Shoal, is located within the Philippines’ exclusive economic zone. It is home to a small number of troops stationed aboard the former warship Sierra Madre, which was deliberately grounded by Manila in 1999 to reinforce its sovereignty claims.
Manila has repeatedly accused the Chinese coastguard of blocking resupply missions to its troops on the shoal. On August 5, the Chinese coastguard sprayed a Philippine vessel with a water cannon, prompting the Philippine military to describe the actions as “excessive and offensive.” China, however, claimed it was a “warning” and that it has exercised restraint.
China’s defense ministry has urged Manila to stop all “provocative” actions and has vowed to continue taking necessary measures to safeguard its sovereignty and maritime rights.
Security experts believe that China’s actions around the shoal indicate its desire to take control of the area. However, they also believe that China would hesitate to use outright force to occupy the shoal due to the potential political risks, including triggering a 1951 U.S.-Philippines mutual defense treaty.
Jonathan Malaya, assistant director general of the Philippines National Security Council, has urged China to avoid escalating the situation and putting lives at risk.
Japan and France have expressed concern over China’s recent actions and reiterated their support for a 2016 arbitral ruling that invalidated Beijing’s expansive South China Sea claims.
U.S. Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin spoke with Philippines Defense Secretary Gilbert Teodoro to discuss the alliance between the two countries, according to the Pentagon.
The situation in the South China Sea remains tense as China and the Philippines continue to assert their claims over the disputed waters.
Editing by Bernadette Baum, Alex Richardson, and Sharon Singleton
How does the Chinese government’s demand for the removal of a grounded warship from the Philippines’ disputed shoal impact the tensions between the two countries in the South China Sea?
Chinese government has now demanded that the Philippines remove a grounded warship from a disputed shoal in the South China Sea. This comes after the Philippines rejected a previous request from China to tow away the World War Two-era vessel, which is currently being used as a military outpost.
The tensions between China and the Philippines have been increasing over territorial disputes in the South China Sea. Manila has sought support from the United States in its maritime conflicts with China, which has led to criticism from the Chinese embassy in Manila. They accuse the US of exaggerating the South China Sea issue and stirring up trouble. The recent boat incident further exacerbated the situation.
China needs to respect international law and stop bullying its neighbors in the South China Sea.