Philippines seeks international pressure on China to avert South China Sea confrontation

Following a disagreement with China this week, the Philippines will step up multilateral efforts, such as freedom of navigation patrols in the South China Sea, its defence minister announced on Wednesday. The minister expressed optimism that additional nations will “join our fight” in this regard.

Previously this week, China and the Philippines accused one another of inflaming tensions. Manila said that China’s coastguard had deliberately collided with its boats while resupplying a tiny group of troops stationed on a decrepit ship that had been grounded two decades previously.

Beijing, which claims sovereignty over practically the entire South China Sea, came under heavy fire after the incident, which occurred close to a disputed coral in the Philippines’ exclusive economic zone, was widely condemned. However, an international arbitration ruling declared that claim to be unfounded.

Defence Secretary Gilberto Teodoro stated in a broadcast interview on state-run PTV that the latest issue with China “may result in more willing nations to join our fight.” He didn’t go into detail on what that would involve.

Teodoro expressed optimism over the advancement of the reciprocal access deal between the Philippines and Japan.

The Philippines’ relationship with China has gotten worse this year due to increased maritime conflicts, which has coincided with Manila fortifying its long-standing military alliance with the US and allowing Washington greater access to its military bases.

(With agency inputs)