MANILA — Following the submission of a new diplomatic protest against China’s actions in the West Philippine Sea, support for the Philippines has surged significantly. Numerous countries have expressed their concern and condemnation of what they perceive as “dangerous” behavior by China.

The protest, lodged by the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) on Friday, was prompted by China’s deployment of a water cannon against a Philippine boat on a resupply mission to Filipino troops at the BRP Sierra Madre in Ayungin Shoal.

In response, the National Task Force-West Philippine Sea (NTF-WPS) stated, “We once again condemn China’s latest unprovoked acts of coercion and dangerous maneuvers.” The NTF-WPS firmly demanded the immediate departure of Chinese vessels engaged in such illegal activities from the vicinity of Ayungin Shoal.

Various ambassadors, including Australian Ambassador HK Yu, underscored the importance of upholding the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (Unclos) and respecting international law for global peace and security.

US Ambassador MaryKay Carlson criticized the “continued PRC harassment” and reaffirmed Washington D.C.’s commitment to stand by Manila for a “free and open Indo-Pacific.” Similarly, the envoys of Japan and the United Kingdom echoed their opposition to actions escalating tensions in the region.

The European Union, the Netherlands, and Germany reiterated their support for international law, specifically Unclos and the 2016 Arbitral Award. German Ambassador Andreas Pfaffernoschke expressed Germany’s backing for the Philippines in advocating respect for international law in the South China Sea.

Despite the international outcry, the China Coast Guard (CCG) asserted its intention to “continue to carry out law enforcement activities” near the Ayungin Shoal, reiterating China’s territorial claim over the area.

In the Philippines, senators, led by Senate President Juan Miguel “Migz” Zubiri, strongly condemned China’s recent water cannon attack. President Pro Tempore Lorna Regina “Loren” Legarda emphasized the significance of the 2016 Arbitral Award, while Sen. Jose “Jinggoy” Estrada urged the government to consider adopting Senate Resolution 79.

Sen. Ana Theresia “Risa” Hontiveros called for an upgrade in the capabilities of the Philippine Coast Guard and Navy to navigate past the Chinese blockade.

Meanwhile, the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) Northern Luzon Command (Nolcom) reported substantial achievements in its efforts to bolster national security in the West Philippine Sea. Lt. Gen. Fernyl Buca highlighted successful challenges to over 14,000 vessels during air and surface patrols in critical maritime areas.

The Nolcom emphasized a strategic shift toward Territorial Defense Operations to safeguard the country’s territorial integrity.

(ai/mnm)