Austin concerned about China's 'risky' behavior vs PH vessels in Ayungin Shoal

United States Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin III has raised concern over the recent alleged harassment of Philippine vessels by Chinese vessels in Ayungin Shoal.

Austin expressed his concern over China's "coercive and risky" behavior during a call to Philippine Defense Secretary Gilberto Teodoro on Thursday (US time), according to a readout provided by Pentagon Press Secretary Brigadier General Pat Ryder.

"Secretary Austin noted with concern the PRC's (People's Republic of China) recent coercive and risky operational behavior directed against Philippine vessels operating safely and lawfully in the South China Sea, including around Second Thomas Shoal," Pentagon's readout said.

On Wednesday, the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) said two Chinese coast guard (CCG) vessels made "dangerous maneuvers" that could have caused a collision with PCG ships assisting the resupply mission of the Armed Forces of the Philippines near Ayungin Shoal on June 30.

Ayungin is also referred to as Second Thomas Shoal. 

During his conversation with Teodoro, Austin "highlighted the United States' ironclad alliance commitment with the Philippines and reiterated that the Mutual Defense Treaty extends to Philippine public vessels, aircraft, and armed forces — to include those of its Coast Guard — in the Pacific, including anywhere in the South China Sea," the Pentagon said. 

It added that Austin and Teodoro also reaffirmed their commitment to continue upholding the rules-based order and supporting the livelihoods of local Philippine communities in the South China Sea consistent with the Arbitral Tribunal Ruling in 2016.

"The Secretaries agreed to meet in person for in-depth discussions on defense and security priorities," the Pentagon said.

In 2016, the UN Permanent Court of Arbitration in The Hague, based on a case filed by the Philippines, junked China's nine-dash line claim covering the entire South China Sea, including the West Philippine Sea.

China has refused to acknowledge the ruling. 

'Professional, restrained'

On Thursday, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Wang Wenbin maintained that the maneuvers of their vessels during the June 30 incident were "professional and restrained."

"In accordance with the law, the Chinese Coast Guard vessel carried out law enforcement activities to uphold China’s territorial sovereignty and maritime order. The Chinese side’s maneuvers were professional and restrained," Wang  said at a press conference.

He insisted said the Ren’ai Reef (Ayungin Shoal) was part of China’s Nansha Islands, adding that it was the PCG vessels that supposedly intruded Chinese waters.

Earlier on Wednesday, Chinese Ambassador to the Philippines Huang Xilian paid a courtesy call on Teodoro to discuss China and the Philippines' defense and military relations as well as maintaining peace and stability in the South China Sea.

"We had a constructive discussion on promoting defense and military relations between China and the Philippines, and maintaining peace and stability in the region," Huang said of his meeting with Teodoro. 

Despite the June 30 incident, the PCG said there has been an improvement in the behavior of the Chinese coast guard (CCG) in the West Philippine Sea after the Philippines "exposed" the CCG's "aggressive actions" in the area.

According to PCG spokesperson for West Philippine Sea Commodore Jay Tarriela, the CCG might be conscious that their “harassment” and “bullying” activities towards the PCG can be captured on camera. 

On Friday, the Armed Forces of the Philippines' Western Command (Wescom) said over 50 Chinese vessels were spotted in the vicinity of Iroquois Reef and Sabina Shoal in the West Philippine Sea (WPS) during a June 30 air patrol.

"These developments raise an alarming concern about China's intentions and actions within these disputed waters," Wescom said in a statement.  —KBK/RSJ, GMA Integrated News