China is 'deliberately stirring up trouble' in the South China Sea, Philippines says

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China is 'deliberately stirring up trouble' in the South China Sea, Philippines says
By: Reuters - 03-6-04 March ~ 4:33 AM CST / Source: Reuters
Re: https://www.nbcnews.com/news/world/c...nes-rcna141988

1. Photo link: https://media-cldnry.s-nbcnews.com/i...842-d94e10.jpg

By: A Chinese Coast Guard ship fires a water cannon at a Philippine Navy chartered vessel, conducting a routine resupply mission to troops stationed at Second Thomas Shoal in the South China Sea on Tuesday. Ezra Acayan / Getty Images

A dramatic stand-off with Beijing in the South China Sea this week was the most serious incident yet for the Philippines, its top security officials said on Wednesday, vowing not to back down in asserting the country’s sovereign rights.

The Philippines has been incensed by what it calls repeated aggressive conduct by China’s coastguard, accusing its ships of using water cannon and blocking and harassing a Philippine resupply mission on Tuesday for troops stationed at the disputed Second Thomas Shoal.

#2: Video link: Philippine's blame China coast guard for South China Sea Collision
https://www.nbcnews.com/video/philip...a-205468229521

The Philippines’ South China Sea task force said a top admiral was on board a vessel that was water cannoned by China’s coastguard, shattering its windshield and wounding four navy personnel. The admiral was unharmed.

“This is the most serious incident yet,” task force spokesperson Jonathan Malaya said, accusing China of “deliberately stirring up trouble” and “maliciously inciting hype”.

China accused the Philippines of intruding on its territory, claiming indisputable sovereignty over the reef, located 1,300 km (808 miles) off its mainland. China claims most of the South China Sea as its own, despite an international arbitration panel concluding that position had no basis under international law.

Philippine Defense Secretary Gilberto Teodoro on Wednesday said China’s claims were baseless and its actions this week were “patently illegal and downright uncivilized”.

“This claim is, simply put, one that no right-thinking state in the world agrees with and which many outright condemn,” Teodoro said in a statement.

2nd Photo link: https://media-cldnry.s-nbcnews.com/i...029-73cd4f.jpg
Philippine Coast Guard personnel ride a rubber boat during a resupply mission to troops stationed at Second Thomas Shoal.

3rd photo link: https://media-cldnry.s-nbcnews.com/i...841-cf811b.jpg
Philippine Coast Guard personnel deploy fenders as they brace for a collision with a Chinese vessel at Second Thomas Shoal in the South China Sea on Tuesday.

“(Its) vain attempt to manufacture and sell this story falters in the face of real incontrovertible facts.”

Tuesday’s incident was the latest in a series of run-ins between the Philippines and China over disputed areas of the South China Sea, coinciding with a recent surge in defense activities between the militaries of Manila and Washington.

Australia and Southeast Asian nations on Wednesday called for restraint in the contested South China Sea and adherence to a “rules-based” order in the Indo-Pacific.

“We encourage all countries to avoid any unilateral actions that endanger peace, security and stability in the region,” they said in a joint statement after a three-day meeting.

A spokesperson for the Chinese foreign ministry said the situation was generally stable and China’s position on the Second Thomas Shoal was consistent and clear.

The U.S. State Department said it stands by the Philippines following “provocative actions” by China.

4th Photo link: https://media-cldnry.s-nbcnews.com/i...031-ea6e18.jpg
Philippine personnel aboard BRP Sindangan as a Chinese vessel sails nearby.

The Philippines and United States have a Mutual Defence Treaty, binding them to defend each other if attacked, raising the stakes in a region where tensions have simmered for decades over Beijing’s claims to territory in the South China Sea, a key conduit for global commerce.

Philippine officials on Wednesday said invoking that pact would be a serious matter, although consultations were taking place between both countries.

Speaking while in Australia, however, Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr said it was not the time nor reason to invoke the treaty, but the incident was being viewed “with great alarm."

The Philippine foreign ministry said its embassy in China has issued a “demarche” or formal reprimand to its Beijing counterpart.
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Personal note: Let me tell you something about the Philippine's they are a tough bunch of guys - with unlimited guts when it comes to protecting themselves. Good allies' to have against China/Korea. Note: They will all - get their ass's kicked - trying to take over P.I.
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Good hearted - and they will give you their all - if need be. They know the jungles and lay of the land better than anyone. China and N/S Korea know this as well!
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I give them a thumbs up for their actions in self/defense of their allies & their people!
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We used to run from Da-Nang Red Beach Area/ back to Subic Bay P.I. bringing wounded and picking up supplies each way.
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