Senator Eric Schmitt (R-Mo.) recently called on the U.S. Department of Defense to intervene swiftly to assist the Philippines in countering China’s aggressive actions in the South China Sea. This plea follows a recent altercation between Philippine and Chinese vessels in Second Thomas Shoal, where Chinese ships resorted to firing water cannons at a Philippine supply boat, resulting in injuries to four crew members. Senator Schmitt expressed serious concerns about China’s escalating confrontations in the disputed sea in a letter to Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin on March 5, emphasizing the need for the Department of Defense to support the Philippines in addressing China’s aggressive behavior.
The senator requested that the Department of Defense provide Congress with a comprehensive plan detailing how the United States can aid the Philippines in responding to China’s unlawful actions in the region. He also highlighted the pattern of aggressive behavior by the Chinese Communist Party (CCP), underscoring the importance of upholding territorial rights and promoting peace and stability in the South China Sea. In response to the recent incident in Second Thomas Shoal, where Chinese ships engaged in provocative maneuvers and water cannon attacks on Philippine vessels, the Biden administration reiterated its commitment to upholding its mutual defense obligations under the 1951 U.S.-Philippine Mutual Defense Treaty in the event of an attack on Philippine assets.
The altercation in Second Thomas Shoal further strained tensions in the region, with the Philippine Coast Guard ship sustaining damage due to a collision caused by dangerous blocking maneuvers by a Chinese coast guard ship. The subsequent firing of water cannons by two Chinese vessels at a Philippine supply boat led to minor injuries and escalating concerns about China’s sincerity in promoting dialogue and reducing tensions in the area. The Philippine government condemned the unprovoked acts of coercion by the Chinese ships and demanded their immediate withdrawal from Second Thomas Shoal. The United States denounced China’s provocative actions and reaffirmed its support for the Philippines, warning Beijing that attacks on Philippine assets in the South China Sea would trigger the U.S.-Philippine mutual defense treaty.
The ongoing dispute over territorial claims in the South China Sea underscores the complexities and risks involved in managing regional stability. As both China and the Philippines assert their rights in the region, international law and norms, such as the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea, play a crucial role in defining maritime boundaries and resolving conflicts. With various countries claiming overlapping territories in the South China Sea, peaceful dialogue and respect for established legal frameworks are essential for preventing further escalations and maintaining stability in the region.