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Int’l concern over new SCS collision

October 22, 2023 People's Tonight 182 views

THE international community expressed concern over another incident in the West Philippine Sea (WPS) where a Chinese vessel collided with a Philippine ship on a resupply mission to BRP Sierra Madre on Ayungin Shoal (Second Thomas Shoal) on Sunday morning.

The European Union Delegation in Manila raised concern over the repeated incidents of Chinese Coast Guard (CCG) vessels which endangered the lives of Filipinos.

EU Ambassador to the Philippines Luc Veron said on X “these incidents, their repetition and intensification are dangerous and very disturbing.”

“We join the Philippines in its call for the full observance of international law in the South China Sea,” he added.

Canada, Germany and the Netherland have expressed support to the Philippines and urged parties to observe the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS).

“Canada supports for a rules-based order in the South China Sea consistent with international law, including UNCLOS and the 2016 Arbitral decision, which is final and binding on the parties.”

“Germany is very concerned about recent confrontations in the South China Sea involving Chinese coast guard ships and maritime militia vessels in the Exclusive economic zone of the Philippines,” said
German Ambassador Andreas Pfaffernoschke.

He said “Germany calls on all parties to act in accordance with UNCLOS-rules and to respect the 2016 arbitral award.”

Netherlands Ambassador to the Philippines Marielle Geraedts for her part said “another worrying incident. Glad nobody got hurt. The Netherlands stands with the Philippines in its call for the full observance of International Law in the South China Sea,” she said.

“We stand with our #FriendsPartnersAllies in protecting sovereignty and in support of a #FreeAndOpenIndoPacific,” US Ambassador MaryKay Carlson posted on X, former Twitter.

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