U.S. Willing to Escort Philippine Ships Amid China Clashes

The U.S. military has indicated a willingness to potentially escort Philippine ships in the contested South China Sea, contingent on discussions under the allies’ long-standing 1951 Mutual Defense Treaty. This statement comes amid escalating tensions and confrontations between China and the Philippines in these disputed waters.

Adm. Samuel Paparo, commander of U.S. Indo-Pacific Command, shared his views during a news conference in Manila alongside Philippine Armed Forces chief Gen. Romeo Brawner Jr. His comments hint at the U.S. military’s readiness to engage in operations that could pit its navy against Chinese vessels in a region fraught with conflict.

Regular clashes have become commonplace in the South China Sea, where Chinese coast guard, navy, and purported militia ships frequently confront Philippine forces. These incidents often occur during attempts to resupply Philippine personnel stationed on remote features claimed by both nations. As these confrontations grow increasingly hostile, there have been reports of injuries among Filipino troops and damage to their vessels.

In a notable incident in June, the White House condemned a Chinese Coast Guard ship that reportedly rammed a Philippine resupply vessel, resulting in serious injuries to a Filipino sailor. Such aggressive behavior from China has drawn sharp criticism, with U.S. National Security Council spokesman John Kirby labeling it as “provocative” and “reckless.”

These rising hostilities have led the Philippine government to contemplate invoking its treaty alliance with the U.S. However, the specifics of any military assistance remain murky. While discussing the potential for U.S. naval escorts for Philippine supply ships, Paparo emphasized the importance of prior consultations between the two nations.

“Certainly, within the context of consultations,” Paparo remarked when asked about the possibility of escort missions. He indicated that such operations are reasonable under the Mutual Defense Treaty that binds the two nations.

Gen. Brawner, however, approached this suggestion with caution, stressing the need for the Philippine Armed Forces to prioritize self-reliance in any military operations. He stated, “We are going to try all options, all avenues available to us to achieve our mission.”

President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. has also maintained that circumstances have not yet warranted the activation of the Mutual Defense Treaty. The treaty stipulates that both allies must come to each other’s aid in case of an armed attack.

Despite this, President Biden’s administration has consistently reaffirmed its strong commitment to defend the Philippines under this treaty, should Filipino forces face armed aggression, including in the South China Sea.

Philippine Defense Secretary Gilberto Teodoro Jr. highlighted the pressing threat from China, labeling it as “the biggest disruptor” of peace in Southeast Asia. Teodoro called for a stronger international response to mitigate Chinese aggression, particularly after recent incidents where Chinese ships obstructed attempts to deliver supplies to Philippine forces.

During the recent military conference in Manila, Teodoro underscored the necessity of multilateral action against China’s assertive policies in the South China Sea. He noted that diplomatic and defense officials should strategize on more robust responses, even suggesting a U.N. Security Council resolution might be considered to condemn China’s actions, despite the inherent challenges given China’s influence as a permanent council member.

In the latest incident, Chinese forces reportedly deployed around 40 vessels to block Philippine supply ships attempting to reach the BRP Teresa Magbanua at the contested Sabina Shoal, amid allegations of both sides blaming each other for escalating tensions in this strategically significant area.

The ongoing confrontations in the South China Sea not only involve the Philippines but also include multiple claimants in the region, such as Vietnam and Malaysia, further complicating the geopolitical landscape. Meanwhile, Japan has voiced its concerns, protesting recent incursions by Chinese reconnaissance planes into its airspace.

As tensions continue to mount, the situation in the South China Sea remains precarious, highlighting the critical importance of diplomatic and military strategies to address the ongoing disputes in this vital region.

Source: CBS News