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South China Sea: US condemns ‘aggressive’ Chinese actions, ‘stands with’ the Philippines
- ‘Ramming or water-cannoning unarmed vessels’ not the actions of a world leader, Rear Admiral Andrew Sugimoto says after week of clashes
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The US lashed out against Chinese activities in the South China Sea on Tuesday, pledging to “stand with” regional allies as repeated clashes between Philippine and Chinese vessels heighten tensions in the vast, disputed waterway.
Rear Admiral Andrew Sugimoto, deputy commander of the US Coast Guard Pacific Area, said the United States “unequivocally” condemned “aggressive” actions such as the ramming of vessels.
“China wants to be seen as a member of the world that has its set of rules and enforces it. But whenever they do things like ramming or water-cannoning unarmed vessels, it does not appear to be so,” Sugimoto said.
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He also stressed US resolve to team up with allies to counter China in maritime disputes, saying a growing number of countries were willing to work with the US Coast Guard on this.
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Sugimoto’s remarks followed yet another clash between Chinese and Philippine ships near Sabina Shoal – in their third such face-off in a week.
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