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Australia airs serious concern over China's latest water cannon attacks vs. PH vessel
By HANA BORDEY,GMA Integrated NewsAustralia on Wednesday expressed serious concerns over China's recent water cannon attacks against a Philippine vessel carrying supplies for Filipino troops stationed at the BRP Sierra Madre in Ayungin Shoal, also known as Second Thomas Shoal.
"The Australian Government shares the serious concerns of the Philippine Government about the actions conducted by China's vessels against Philippine vessels and crew, including those engaged in routine resupply missions in the South China Sea on 5 and 23 March," read the statement posted by Australian Ambassador HK Yu on X (formerly Twitter).
The Australian government noted the damage to the Philippine resupply vessel as well as the injuries that were suffered by the Filipino crew due to the water cannon attacks and the "dangerous blocking [maneuvers]."
"This is part of a pattern of deeply concerning behaviour by China which endangers the peace and security of the region, threatens lives and livelihoods, and creates risks of miscalculation and escalation," the statement read further.
"Australia opposes destabilising and coercive actions in the South China Sea, such as unsafe encounters at sea and in the air and the militarisation of disputed features," it added.
Australia, which committed its support for the Philippines
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It likewise emphasized the importance of all states being able to exercise their rights and freedoms, including the freedom of navigation, under international law, particularly the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea.
This month alone, the China Coast Guard (CCG) has already attacked the Unaizah May 4 twice through water cannons and caused "heavy damage" to the Philippine resupply vessel.
Four Filipino crew members were injured in the March 5 incident. Meanwhile, at least three troops who were aboard the resupply vessel that was water cannoned by CCG last March 23 required several stitches for their injuries. — VDV, GMA Integrated News