By Junex Doronio
MANILA — The Pentagon has condemned China’s aggressive action in the West Philippine Sea (WPS) where a Filipino soldier was reportedly severely hurt, warning that it could result in more violence.
“This kind of behavior is provocative, it’s reckless, it’s unnecessary, and it could lead to something bigger and more violent. So we will continue to stand with our Philippine allies,” said Pentagon Press Secretary Pat Ryder in a press briefing.
The Pentagon refers to the Department of Defense of the United States of America.
The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) on Tuesday (18 June 2024) confirmed that a Philippine Navy (PN) service member suffered “severe injury” following a collision between a Chinese ship and a Philippine vessel performing rotation and resupply mission in Ayungin Shoal in the WPS.
AFP Public Affairs Office chief Colonel Xerxes Trinidad disclosed that the injured PN service member was safely evacuated and received prompt medical treatment after the China Coast Guard’s (CCG) “intentional high-speed ramming,” which took place Monday (17 June 2024).
“We condemn the escalatory and irresponsible action by the PRC (People’s Republic of China) to deny the Philippines from executing a lawful maritime operation in the South China Sea,” Ryder declared.
He also echoed the earlier statement of US Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin that “the Philippine maritime claims must be protected.”
Ryder stressed that the US will continue to support the Philippines.
He added that the Pentagon is closely monitoring the situation in the region.
(el Amigo/mnm)
