Chinese harassment threat to peace, stability in region–US defense chief

By Rex Anthony Naval

CHINA’S harassment and

attempts to obstruct Philippine resupply effort to Second Thomas Shoal (Ayungin Shoal) last Saturday is threatening the peace and stability of the region.

This was stressed by US Department of Defense (DOD) Secretary Lloyd J. Austin III following a phone call with Department of National Defense Secretary Gilberto C. Teodoro Jr. Tuesday (US time) where recent events in the South China Sea, including last weekend’s resupply effort, was discussed.

“Secretary Austin condemned the China Coast Guard’s use of water cannons and other dangerous maneuvers, which put the safety of Philippine vessels and crew at risk. He joined numerous countries in expressing concern about these unsafe operational activities, which undermine the status quo and directly threaten regional peace and stability,” a US DOD statement read.

Austin, in the same phone call, also reaffirmed that the Mutual Defense Treaty (MDT) extends to Philippine public vessels, aircraft, and armed forces—to include those of its Coast Guard—in the Pacific, including in the South China Sea.