UK, Canada, Australia rally behind PH in WPS | Global News

UK, Canada, Australia rally behind PH in WPS

(FILES) In this file photo taken on April 23, 2023, personnel of the Philippine Coast Guard ship BRP Malabrigo prepare to conduct a survey in the waters of Second Thomas shoal in the Spratly Islands in the disputed South China Sea. - The US called on China April 29, 2023, to stop "provocative and unsafe conduct" in the disputed South China Sea after a recent near-collision with a Philippines coast guard boat there, ramping up rhetoric ahead of a visit by the Filipino President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., to the White House. (Photo by Ted ALJIBE / AFP) / To go with AFP SPECIAL REPORT by Cecil MORELLA

In this file photo taken on April 23, 2023, personnel of the Philippine Coast Guard ship BRP Malabrigo prepare to conduct a survey in the waters of Second Thomas Shoal in the Spratly Islands in the disputed South China Sea. (File photo by TED ALJIBE / Agence France-Presse)

MANILA, Philippines — The United Kingdom, Canada, and Australia have joined the United States in calling out China’s “dangerous” actions toward Philippine vessels in the West Philippine Sea (WPS).

In separate statements, the envoys of the UK, Canada and Australia expressed concern over continued “unprofessional, dangerous conduct” against Philippine vessels within Manila’s exclusive economic zone (EEZ) but, unlike the United States, did not name China.

Article continues after this advertisement

“The UK is concerned by continued reports of dangerous conduct toward Filipino vessels in the South China Sea,” UK Ambassador to the Philippines Laure Beaufils said on Monday through her official social media account.

FEATURED STORIES

“The United Kingdom stands steadfast in its commitment to international law, in particular Unclos, in the South China Sea,” she added, referring to the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea.

Canada’s Ambassador David Hartman said “Canada reiterates its call for upholding the rules-based international order in the South China Sea.”

Article continues after this advertisement

“We are troubled by dangerous and unprofessional conduct in this region and unreservedly support the Government of the Philippines in enforcing its sovereign rights within its EEZ,” Hartman said on Monday through his social media account.

Article continues after this advertisement

‘Unsafe conduct’

“Peace and stability in the South China Sea are essential to the interests of the international community,” the Canadian ambassador added.

Article continues after this advertisement

Australia’s Ambassador HK Yu on Sunday echoed the US Department of State’s position on China’s latest “provocative and unsafe conduct” against the Philippines.

“Concerned by further reports of unprofessional and dangerous conduct against the Philippines in its Exclusive Economic Zone,” the Australian envoy said through her Twitter account, including a link to the Philippine Coast Guard report on the April 23 near-collision between Chinese and Philippine coast guard vessels in the vicinity of Ayungin Shoal.

Article continues after this advertisement

Meanwhile, a senior lawmaker on Monday called for the recall of the Philippine ambassador to Beijing to show China our serious protest over its aggression and intrusion in the WPS.

“We should order our principal representative in China to return home,” Cagayan de Oro Rep. Rufus Rodriguez said in a statement on Monday, referring to Ambassador Jaime Flor Cruz.

RELATED STORIES

US warns China: Stop ‘provocative conduct’

PH joins Asean-India maritime exercise

Biden to reassure Marcos as China tensions flare

Your subscription could not be saved. Please try again.
Your subscription has been successful.

Subscribe to our daily newsletter

By providing an email address. I agree to the Terms of Use and acknowledge that I have read the Privacy Policy.

For comprehensive coverage, in-depth analysis, visit our special page for West Philippine Sea updates. Stay informed with articles, videos, and expert opinions.

TAGS: maritime dispute, PH-Australia relations, PH-Canada relations, PH-UK relations, West Philippine Sea

Your subscription could not be saved. Please try again.
Your subscription has been successful.

Subscribe to our newsletter!

By providing an email address. I agree to the Terms of Use and acknowledge that I have read the Privacy Policy.

© Copyright 1997-2024 INQUIRER.net | All Rights Reserved

This is an information message

We use cookies to enhance your experience. By continuing, you agree to our use of cookies. Learn more here.