MANILA – The Group of Seven (G7) issued on Saturday (15 June 2024) a strong rebuke against China for its aggressive maneuvers in the South China Sea, particularly its use of water cannons and other coercive tactics against Filipino vessels.
The G7, comprising the world’s leading industrialized democracies, reiterated their opposition to China’s “intimidation activities” in the region.
In a communiqué following the G7 Summit in Apulia, Italy, the leaders expressed grave concerns about the escalating tensions in the East and South China Seas, emphasizing their “strong opposition to any unilateral attempts to change the status quo by force or coercion.”
“We condemn China’s dangerous use of coast guard and maritime militia in the South China Sea and its repeated obstruction of freedom of navigation,” the statement read. “We are seriously concerned about the increasing use of dangerous maneuvers and water cannons against Philippine vessels.”
The G7 leaders underscored their non-recognition of China’s expansive maritime claims, affirming the 2016 Arbitral Ruling invalidating such claims beyond the limits set by the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS).
“We reaffirm that there is no legal basis for China’s broad maritime claims in the South China Sea, and we oppose China’s militarization and coercive activities in the region,” they added. “We stress the importance of UNCLOS as the legal framework governing activities in the oceans and seas.”
The communiqué also highlighted the binding nature of the 2016 Arbitral Award on the parties involved, suggesting it as a potential foundation for peacefully resolving maritime disputes.
China’s extensive claims in the South China Sea include areas within the Philippines’ exclusive economic zone. The tension escalated in August 2023 when the Chinese Coast Guard used water cannons against Filipino vessels supplying the BRP Sierra Madre stationed at Ayungin Shoal.
Despite these aggressive actions, the Philippine government recently completed a successful resupply mission to the grounded ship. Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) Chief Gen. Romeo Brawner Jr. confirmed the mission’s success, noting that no Chinese interference occurred, unlike the previous incident where Chinese personnel confiscated supplies during a May airdrop mission.
Gen. Brawner stated, “We will continue bringing supplies to our troops, rotating them in all occupied features in the West Philippine Sea, and protecting our territory and sovereign rights.”
The G7 includes Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, the United Kingdom, and the United States, representing the world’s leading industrialized democracies.
(el Amigo/MNM)
