New US Secretary of State, Marco Rubio, recently criticized China’s actions towards the Philippines in the South China Sea during a call with Philippines Foreign Minister, Enrique Manalo. Rubio assured Manila of Washington’s commitment to defending the Philippines against Chinese provocation, citing Beijing’s actions as dangerous and destabilizing. He stated that China’s behavior undermined regional peace and violated international law.
The call between Rubio and Manalo came after a meeting with Quadrilateral Security Dialogue counterparts from India, Japan, and Australia where they expressed support for a free and open Indo-Pacific region. The Quad also stated their opposition to unilateral actions that seek to change the status quo through force or coercion.
China holds claims over most of the South China Sea, conflicting with the claims of several Southeast Asian nations, including the Philippines. Tensions have escalated over the past year, with Chinese and Philippine vessels engaging in confrontations over disputed islands and waters. In response to China deploying a “monster ship” in Manila’s exclusive economic zone, the Philippines conducted sovereignty patrols and joint military exercises with the US.
These actions have taken place despite a 2016 ruling by The Hague tribunal that China’s territorial claims in the South China Sea had no legal basis. Despite the rejection of this ruling by Beijing, it has not deterred China’s assertive actions in the region. The Scarborough Shoal, one of the disputed areas, remains a point of contention as China exerts de facto control over the region.
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