China actions inconsistent with international law –US

The United States Embassy, on Saturday, expressed its support for the Philippines following another incident of China’s harassment of the Philippine Navy and Coast Guard in the West Philippine Sea.

In a statement, the US Embassy reiterated that the People’s Republic of China had no claim on Ayungin Shoal and must therefore respect all states' freedom of navigation as guaranteed under international law.

“The PRC’s actions are inconsistent with international law and follow a pattern of dangerous operational behavior in the South China Sea,” the statement read.

“An international tribunal’s July 2016 decision – legally binding on both the Philippines and PRC – made clear that the PRC has no lawful territorial or maritime claim to Second Thomas Shoal,” they added.

The embassy also said that Article IV of the 1951 US-Philippines Mutual Defense Treaty also covered arms attacks on Philippine forces or vessels—including Philippine Coast Guard vessels in the South China Sea.

The Philippine Coast Guard, on Saturday, reported that more than 15 China Coast Guard and Chinese militia vessels intercepted a resupply mission to the Ayungin Shoal.

The newest incident comes after a China Coast Guard ship collided with a Philippine vessel during an October 22 resupply mission. — DVM, GMA Integrated News