Pigott accused Beijing of intensifying “increasingly coercive” actions as part of its “broad territorial and maritime claims” in this disputed area, which also involves other Southeast Asian countries
Washington condemned the clash between a Chinese Coast Guard ship and a Philippine authorities vessel near Thitu Island, in the South China Sea, warning that Beijing’s actions are “increasingly coercive”.
“The United States condemns China’s clash and use of water cannons on October 12 against a Philippine Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources vessel near Thitu Island in the South China Sea,” State Department Deputy Spokesperson Tommy Pigott said in a statement.
Pigott accused Beijing of intensifying “increasingly coercive” actions as part of its “broad territorial and maritime claims” in this disputed area, which also involves other Southeast Asian countries.
These dangerous actions continue, according to the official, “to undermine regional stability” and “contradict previous commitments to resolve disputes peacefully”.
The spokesperson reiterated Washington’s support for Manila, stating that the Mutual Defense Treaty between the two countries covers any armed attack “against Philippine Armed Forces, public vessels or aircraft, including those of the Coast Guard, anywhere in the South China Sea.”
The Chinese Coast Guard attributed responsibility for the incident to the Philippines, saying that three vessels from Manila approached Chinese patrol vessels and that one of them caused the collision.
The disputed waters of the South China Sea are crossed by crucial trade routes and experts believe the seabed could contain important oil and gas reserves.
Beijing has repeatedly taken action against Philippine vessels, accusing them of entering waters it claims are Chinese territory.
