China’s actions in West PH Sea not ‘armed attack’ by int’l definition – Año

GANGING UP A video grab released by the Public Affairs Office of the Armed Forces of the Philippines on June 19 shows China Coast Guard boats (left) ganging up on Philippine boats (center) during the June 17 incident at Ayungin Shoal in West Philippine Sea. —Agence France-Presse

MANILA, Philippines — China’s recent aggression near Ayungin (Second Thomas) Shoal in the West Philippine Sea “does not fit the international definition” of an “armed attack,” National Security Adviser Eduardo Año said on Monday.

“We cannot classify it as an armed attack because by [the] international definition of an armed attack, it is the use of military force and excessive use of force that could trigger collective self-defense,” said Año.

“Even doon sa Article 51 ng UN Charter, and the MDT (Mutual Defense Treaty), it does not fall within the definition of an armed attack,” he added.

READ: China’s actions at Ayungin Shoal not an armed attack – Palace

However, Año said China has violated several international and domestic laws, including the illegal use of force, the convention on collision at sea, SOLAS or the International Convention on the Safety of Life at Sea, and the declaration of conduct.

“It must be that all member states should exercise self-restraint and always opt [for] the use of peaceful means to settle disputes,” said the security adviser.

READ: No gov’t downplay of China’s actions in West Philippine Sea – Teodoro

It was on June 17 when a ramming incident occurred between China Coast Guard (CCG) ships and a Philippine vessel on its way to a resupply mission to the BRP Sierra Madre in Ayungin Shoal.

The incident resulted in a Philippine Navy sailor losing a thumb, with several other naval personnel reported to have sustained minor injuries.