Locsin condemns Chinese ‘attack’ on PH vessels
FOREIGN Affairs Secretary Teodoro Locsin Jr. protested “in the strongest terms” the Chinese Coast Guard vessels “illegal acts” of blocking and firing water cannon against two Philippine supply boats en route to bring food supplies to Philippine military personnel in Ayungin Shoal (Seconf Thomas Shoal) in the Spratly Islands.
“I have conveyed in the strongest terms to H.E. Huang Xilian, Ambassador of China and to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Beijing our outrage, condemnation and protest of the incident,” Locsin said in a statement.
The Western Command in Palawan reported that the incident happened on November 16 2021.
Locsin said fortunately, no one was hurt but the Philippine boats had to abort their resupply mission.
The Secretary reminded China that a public vessel is covered by the Philippines-United States Mutual Defense Treaty.
Locsin stressed “the acts of the Chinese Coast Guard vessels are illegal. China has no law enforcement rights in and around these areas. They must take heed and back off.”
He said the Chinese Coast Guard’s failure to exercise self-restraint threatens the special relationship between the Philippines and China that President Rodrigo R. Duterte and President Xi Jin Ping have worked hard to nurture.
Despite this incident, the Secretary said the Philippines will continue to provide supplies to our troops in Ayungin Shoal.
