An aerial view shows the BRP Sierra Madre on the contested Second Thomas Shoal, locally known as Ayungin Shoal, in the West Philippine Sea, March 9, 2023. INQUIRER FILES
MANILA, Philippines — China’s “dangerous actions threatened regional peace and stability,” top United States and Philippine foreign affairs officials have agreed as they “discussed shared concerns” over Beijing’s “escalatory and irresponsible actions” near Ayungin Shoal.
US Department of State Spokesperson Matthew Miller revealed in a readout that Deputy Secretary of State Kurt Campbell and Philippine Undersecretary of Foreign Affairs Maria Theresa Lazaro spoke on the phone Tuesday, following China’s behavior in the West Philippine Sea.
“Campbell and Lazaro discussed shared concerns over the People’s Republic of China’s (PRC) escalatory and irresponsible actions, which obstructed the Philippines from executing a lawful maritime operation in the South China Sea, interfering with the Philippines’ freedom of navigation,” said Miller.
READ: China Coast Guard boarded PH ships during Ayungin mission – report
“The Deputy Secretary and Undersecretary agreed that the PRC’s dangerous actions threatened regional peace and stability,” he added.
According to Miller, Campbell reaffirmed that Article IV of the US-Philippines Mutual Defense Treaty extends to armed attacks on Philippine armed forces, public vessels, or aircraft – including those of the Philippine Coast Guard – anywhere in the South China Sea.
China has been claiming ownership of almost the entire South China Sea, including the West Philippine Sea.
“Campbell and Lazaro further reiterated the critical importance of the US-Philippines alliance to maintaining our shared vision for a free and open Indo-Pacific region,” said Miller.
READ: China ships ram, tow PH vessels at Ayungin
Beijing’s latest aggression in Philippine waters happened on Monday, June 17.
According to National Security Adviser Eduardo Año, China towed a Philippine vessel engaged in a resupply mission to the grounded BRP Sierra Madre on Ayungin Shoal which is located within the Philippines’ exclusive economic zone.
The US has condemned the incident, saying it caused “bodily injury, damaged Philippine vessels, and hindered lawful maritime operations to supply food, water, and essential supplies to Philippine personnel within the Philippine’s exclusive economic zone.”