US condemns China’s ‘dangerous maneuvers’ in latest collisions at Escoda Shoal

The United States on Monday condemned the dangerous maneuvers of the China Coast Guard (CCG) that resulted in a collision between Filipino and Chinese ships near Escoda Shoal in the West Philippine Sea.

“We are committed to supporting the rights of our #FriendsPartnersAllies under international law,” US Ambassador MaryKay Carlson said in her post on X (formerly Twitter).

The ???????? stands with the ???????? in condemning the China Coast Guard's dangerous maneuvers near Sabina Shoal that endangered lives and caused damage to two @CoastGuardPH vessels. We are committed to supporting the rights of our #FriendsPartnersAllies under international law. pic.twitter.com/w7Hd9uDQY3

— Ambassador MaryKay L. Carlson (@USAmbPH) August 19, 2024

According to the Philippine National Security Council (NSC), the Philippine Coast Guard's Multi-Role Response Vessels (MRRV) BRP Bagacay and BRP Cape Engaño encountered “unlawful and aggressive” maneuvers from CCG ships while they were en route to Patag and Lawak Islands.

The NSC said that the collision with the BRP Cape Engaño took place at around 3:24 a.m., resulting in a hole on the deck of the patrol vessel.

Meanwhile, another CCG ship rammed the port and starboard sides of the BRP Bagacay at around 3:40 p.m., resulting in minor structural damage.

Despite these incidents, the NSC said the PCG is committed to proceeding with their mission of delivering supplies to personnel stationed in the area.

“The PCG stands firm in its responsibility to ensure the safety and security of our maritime domain while addressing any threats to our national interests,” the service said.

“The National Task Force for the West Philippine Sea urges restraint and adherence to the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea and other relevant international laws to prevent further escalations and ensure the safety of all vessels operating in the region,” the PCG added.

 For its part, the CCG spokesperson Gan Yu alleged the Filipino vessels “illegally entered” the area without permission from China.

The Escoda Shoal or the Sabina Shoal is located 75 nautical miles or about 140 kilometers off Palawan and is within the Philippines’ 200-nautical-mile exclusive economic zone (EEZ).

In 2016, an international arbitration tribunal in The Hague ruled in favor of the Philippines over China's claims in the South China Sea, saying that it had "no legal basis."

Beijing does not recognize the decision and has deployed the CCG, the People's Liberation Army Navy and Chinese maritime militia as a show of force in the disputed waters.—RF, GMA Integrated News