By Junex Doronio
MANILA — Amid reports that seven soldiers, one of whom reportedly had his finger severed, were injured and had their weapons confiscated in China’s recent assertive move in the West Philippine Sea (WPS), the US Department of State reaffirmed on Tuesday (June 18, 2024) that the United States supports the Philippines.
The statement condemned Chinese actions against a resupply mission for the BRP Sierra Madre, which is stationed at Ayungin (Second Thomas) Shoal.
According to the GMA News, quoting a source, the soldiers were hurt in a melee with Chinese personnel. Aside from that, eight high-powered firearms were also seized, and a rigid hull inflatable boat (RHIB) was punctured on Monday (17 June 2024).
“[People’s Republic of China] vessels’ dangerous and deliberate use of water cannons, ramming, blocking maneuvers, and towing damaged Philippine vessels, endangered the lives of Philippine service members, is reckless, and threatens regional peace and stability,” the US State Department said.
For its part, the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) has refused to give details about the incident but called China’s narrative deceptive and misleading.
“The main issue remains to be the illegal presence and actions of Chinese vessels within the Philippines’ EEZ, which infringes on our sovereignty and sovereign rights. The continued aggressive actions of the CCG are escalating tensions in the region,” the AFP said last Monday.
With this latest incident, the US State Department has reaffirmed the United States’ commitment to the Mutual Defense Treaty (MDT) following China’s latest actions in the West Philippine Sea that involved a Chinese Coast Guard “ramming and towing” a Filipino vessel.
(el Amigo/mnm)
