Manila - Embassies of various countries in Manila, including Australia and the United States, have strongly condemned China's recent actions in the West Philippine Sea.
According to Yonhap News Agency, these actions include the use of a water cannon by the Chinese Coast Guard on a Philippine vessel attempting to resupply Filipino troops stationed at BRP Sierra Madre in Ayungin Shoal on November 10.
Australian Ambassador to the Philippines HK Yu emphasized the need to respect the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS), expressing concern over China's dangerous conduct in the Philippines' exclusive economic zone (EEZ). US Ambassador MaryKay Carlson also criticized the ongoing harassment by the People's Republic of China (PRC) and reiterated Washington DC's commitment to stand with Manila for a free and open Indo-Pacific. Ambassadors from Japan and the United Kingdom supported these positions, emphasizing the importance of peace and stability in the South China Sea. The European Union, the Netherlands, and Germany also highlighted their support for UNCLOS and the 2016 Arbitral Award.
German Ambassador Andreas Pfaffernoschke echoed support for the Philippines in upholding international law, as did French Ambassador Mariel Fontanel, who commended the successful resupply mission and reiterated France's support for the Philippine Coast Guard. The incident has led to the Philippines filing a protest, bringing the total number of diplomatic protests against China since the start of the Marcos administration to 125. In response, the China Coast Guard stated its intention to continue enforcement activities near Ayungin Shoal, reinforcing Beijing's territorial claims.