China will get a strong response from the US if it attacks the Philippines in the Pacific region - US State Department warns

Washington/Beijing – The US Department of State has warned that if China attacks Philippine defence forces, ships or aircraft in the Pacific region, the United States will respond strongly at the military level. Last week, a Chinese Coast Guard (CCG) ship aggressively tried to hit a Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) ship. This incident has caused strong reactions from Western countries. The US warning is part of it.

Last week, two Philippine patrol vessels patrolled the Spratly Islands, part of the South China Sea. At that time, a CCG ship dangerously tried to stop the Filipino ship by crossing its path. The collision between the two boats was averted as the commander of the Filipino ship skillfully turned his boat. Media on Philippine ships have portrayed this entire incident.

A Chinese ship blocking a regular patrol route has sparked a strong reaction from the Philippines. The Philippines criticised China’s Coast Guard for using aggressive and provocative activities. In response, China claimed that the Philippine ships intruded on its territory without permission. Moreover, the Philippines has strongly retaliated by saying they do not need permission to patrol their territory.

The incident in China and the Philippines also drew strong reactions from the international community. The US State Department accused China of continuous harassment and intimidation against Philippine ships. State Department spokesman Matthew Miller advised the Chinese regime to avoid provocative and unsafe conduct. At the same time, if China attacks Philippine defence forces, ships or aircraft, the US will respond militarily, Miller also warned.

Over the years, tensions have arisen between China and the Philippines over the South China Sea dispute. China also claims to own a part of the West Philippine Sea of the Philippine maritime domain. The Philippines has administrative jurisdiction over the Spratly and Scarborough bivalves in this maritime zone. But in 2012, China claimed a right to some of the islands herein and started militarizing them and constructing some artificial islands.

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