Pentagon: China’s actions may trigger ‘something bigger, more violent’

KNIVES READY China Coast Guard personnel brandish bladed and pointed weapons upon approaching Philippine Navy boats at Ayungin (Second Thomas) Shoal on June 17. Photo released by the Armed Forces of the Philippines on Wednesday.

MANILA, Philippines — China’s “provocative” actions in the West Philippine Sea (WPS) could result in more violence, the United States Department of Defense warned on Wednesday, following the latest confrontation on June 17 at Ayungin (Second Thomas) Shoal that left eight Philippine Navy sailors injured, including one whose finger got cut off.

Pentagon Press Secretary Maj. Gen. Pat Ryder said the ramming and towing of Philippine vessels by Chinese vessels were “obviously very concerning.”

“This kind of behavior is provocative, it’s reckless, it’s unnecessary, and as you highlight, it could lead to something bigger and more violent,” Ryder said at a press briefing.

READ: China Coast Guard boarded PH ships during Ayungin mission – report

‘Escalatory’

He assured the Philippines that the United States would “continue to stand” by its security ally under the 1951 Mutual Defense Treaty (MDT), which binds both countries to come to each other’s aid in the event of an armed attack.

“We condemn the escalatory and irresponsible actions by the PRC (People’s Republic of China) to deny the Philippines from executing a lawful maritime operation in the South China Sea,” Ryder said.

The statement echoed that of US Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin III, who earlier said “the Philippines’ rightful, legal maritime claims must be protected.”

On Tuesday, US Department of State spokesperson Matthew Miller reaffirmed Washington’s commitment to Manila that the MDT “extends to armed attacks on Philippine armed forces, public vessels, or aircraft—including those of its Coast Guard—anywhere in the South China Sea.”

“PRC vessels’ dangerous and deliberate use of water cannons, ramming, blocking maneuvers, and towing damaged Philippine vessels, endangered the lives of Philippine service members, is reckless, and threatens regional peace and stability,” Miller said in a statement.

‘Bodily harm’

In a statement on Tuesday night, Armed Forces of the Philippines chief of staff Gen. Romeo Brawner Jr. said China had no right or legal authority to interfere with the legitimate Philippine operations or damage its assets within Manila’s exclusive economic zone.

READ: US condemns China over Ayungin incident which caused ‘bodily injury’

Brawner denounced the latest CCG actions, which he said not only infringed upon the country’s maritime rights but also “pose significant risks to regional stability.”

“This reckless and aggressive behavior has caused bodily harm and constitutes a blatant violation of international maritime law, Philippine sovereignty, and sovereign rights,” he said.

He assured Filipinos that the AFP would remain committed to upholding the rule of law and would collaborate with international partners to ensure and secure peace and stability across the WPS and the Indo-Pacific Region.