The US military has expressed its willingness to escort Philippine resupply missions in the South China Sea despite repeated warnings by China that it has “no right to intervene.”
Adm. Samuel Paparo, head of the US Indo-Pacific Command, said during his visit to Manila that assisting the Philippines to conduct missions in the disputed territory is an “entirely reasonable option” under their 1951 Mutual Defense Treaty.
However, he pointed out that such a move should be “within the context of consultations” to properly address the problem.
Last month, Philippine military chief Gen. Romeo Brawner Jr. revealed that Washington had already offered its assistance to conduct resupply missions, but Manila turned it down.
“They asked us how they could help,” he told Reuters. “We try to exhaust all possible options that we have before we ask for help.”
Maritime Collisions
China and the Philippines have recently experienced maritime altercations while asserting their rights in the South China Sea.
Last week, a Chinese coast guard ship and a Philippine vessel collided near the disputed Sabina Shoal, causing minor damage.
Beijing said the collision occurred when its Philippine counterpart refused to comply with control measures while attempting to perform a resupply mission.
Manila slammed China’s comment as “completely unfounded,” saying it was the Chinese vessel that “deliberately” rammed and fired water cannons at Philippine boats.
In June, a maritime collision also occurred between the two countries that resulted in the brandishing of weapons and a Philippine Navy sailor losing his thumb.
China Warning
The US has repeatedly condemned China’s dangerous actions in the South China Sea, saying it has resorted to escalatory measures to enforce its “unlawful” claims.
But Beijing was quick to dismiss Washington’s remarks, arguing that the US is not a party in the South China Sea and therefore has no right to intervene in maritime disputes between China and the Philippines.
“The US should stop provoking confrontation in the South China Sea, not disrupt regional stability and not escalate tensions,” Chinese foreign ministry spokesperson Mao Ning said.