The Philippine defense chief has labeled China as the 'biggest disruptor' of peace in Southeast Asia and urged for increased international condemnation of its actions in the South China Sea. This statement comes after China blocked Philippine vessels from delivering supplies to a Coast Guard ship at the Sabina Shoal.
During an international military conference in Manila organized by the U.S. Indo-Pacific Command, Defense Secretary Gilberto Teodoro Jr. emphasized the need for collective multilateral action against China. He expressed dissatisfaction with mere statements of concern and called for stronger steps to address China's assertive behavior in the disputed waters.
Teodoro suggested that a U.N. Security Council resolution condemning Chinese aggression would be a significant move, although he acknowledged the challenges in pursuing such a resolution due to China's veto power as a permanent member of the council.
China and the Philippines have been engaged in a series of confrontations in the South China Sea, with the latest incident involving the blocking of Philippine vessels by an excessive number of Chinese ships at the Sabina Shoal. Both countries have laid claim to the atoll, which has become a focal point of territorial disputes in the region.
The tensions between China and the Philippines have raised concerns of a potential larger conflict that could involve the United States, the Philippines' longtime treaty ally. The recent confrontations underscore the escalating hostilities in the South China Sea, a vital global trade route.
China's increasing assertiveness in pursuing its territorial claims in the South China Sea has led to more frequent confrontations with neighboring countries, including Vietnam, Taiwan, Malaysia, and Brunei. The region has witnessed heightened military activities and territorial disputes, with Japan also lodging a protest against China for violating its airspace.
The Philippine coast guard has reaffirmed its commitment to upholding national interests and ensuring the safety of its waters. It has called on China to abide by international law and refrain from actions that could undermine mutual respect and friendly relations among coast guards.
The Sabina Shoal incident highlights the ongoing challenges in the South China Sea and the urgent need for diplomatic efforts to address the escalating tensions in the region.
Sabina Shoal, located in the Philippines' exclusive economic zone, has become a symbol of the complex territorial disputes in the South China Sea, with multiple claimants vying for control over strategic maritime territories.
