Binatikos ng gobyernong Amerika ang Peoples Republic of China (PRC) bunsod ng pinakahuling insidente pambu-bully ng China Coast Guard (CCG) sa mga resupply and rotation mission ng Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) sa Ayungin Shoal nitong Sabado, Marso 23.
“The PRC’s actions are destabilizing to the region and show clear disregard for international law,” ayon sa official statement ng US government.
Anim na Pinoy crew ang sugatan habang nagtamo ng malaking pinasala ang Unaizah May 4 matapos bombahin ng tubig ng dalawang barko ng CCG habang patungo ang Philippine vessel sa BRP Sierra Madre para maghatid ng supplies.
“The PRC’s actions prevent normal personnel rotations and deprive Filipino service members at Second Thomas Shoal of necessary provisions. This incident marks only the latest in the PRC’s repeated obstruction of Philippine vessels’ exercise of high seas freedom of navigation and disruption of supply lines to this long standing outpost,” ayon sa US government.
Iginiit ng US na walang legal na batayan ang China upang angkinin ang karagatan sa paligid ng Ayungin Shoal dahil ito ay saklaw ng 200-mile exclusive economic zone ng Pilipinas.
“The United States reaffirms Article IV of the 1951 U.S. – Philippines Mutual Defense Treaty (that) extends to armed attacks on Philippine armed forces, public vessels, or aircraft – including those of its Coast Guard – anywhere in the South China Sea,” dagdag nito.