Following the recent military-grade laser-pointing harassment of Chinese Coast Guard (CCG) against Filipino crew members of the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) in the Ayungin Shoal last February 6, nations such as US, Canada, Japan and Australia expressed support for the Philippines as it continues to experience harassment in the disputed waters of the West Philippine Sea (WPS).
Canadian Ambassador to the Philippines David Hartman in a tweet on Wednesday, February 15, said that China should respect the 2016 Arbitration Decision.
“Canada underscores its firm & unwavering support for the Philippines in the face of coercive actions of the People’s Republic of China in the South China Sea. As a Party to UNCLOS, the PRC must comply with its obligations, including notably the 2016 [South China Sea] Arbitration Decision,” Hartman said.
“Recent actions that disrupted the lawful operations of Philippine vessels off the coast of the Philippines are in violation of international law and contrary to the maintenance of regional peace and stability, and the rules-based international order,” he added.
This came after the United States (US) issued a statement condemning the laser-pointing harassment by the Chinese. The US said that such actions are “provocative” and “unsafe,” reiterating that China should respect the decision of the 2016 Arbitration.
Like Canada, Australia also showed support and concern to the Philippines as Australian Ambassador to the Philippines Hae Kyong Yu published a statement on Twitter yesterday.
Australia shares concerns about unsafe and intimidatory actions directed against the Philippines. We continue to call for peace, stability and respect for international law in the South China Sea, a vital international waterway,” Yu said.
Japanese Ambassador to the Philippines Koshikawa Kazukuko also stands with the Philippines as it continues to experience harassment in the disputed waters.
“We express serious concerns about dangerous behavior against PH vessels. All states should respect maritime order based on international law, in particular UNCLOS, and recall that the 2016 Arbitral Award is final and legally binding. We firmly oppose any action that increases tensions,” Kazukuko said.
It can be recalled that the US already said that they are ready to stand with the Philippines if any Chinese military attacks would occur soon, as based from the 1951 US-Philippines Mutual Defense Treaty.