Philippines reports ‘confrontation’ with China in South China Sea
Al JazeeraDec 24, 2022
Philippines Alleges 'Confrontation' With Beijing in South China Sea
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Image copyright: AFP [via Al Jazeera]
The Facts
On Friday, the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) accused the Chinese Coast Guard (CCG) of engaging in "dangerous maneuvers" in the South China Sea close to the Philippine-held Second Thomas Shoal on April 23.
The PCG said that two Chinese ships acted aggressively and posed a "significant threat" while approaching one of its vessels, adding that one of the two ships "carried out dangerous maneuvers" about 150 feet from a Philippine ship.
The Spin
Anti-China narrative
The PRC's activities in the South China Sea gravely undermine the universally-recognized naval provisions in international law. This includes the deployment of China's so-called maritime militia in the waters near the Philippines, which harasses and provokes Philippine fishermen and swarms parts of the sea within Manila's exclusive economic zone. Washington has rightfully stepped up its rhetoric and diplomatic efforts to challenge Beijing's provocative moves.
Pro-China narrative
The PRC has a historical claim over the South China Sea, and its right to regulate military activities in waters that are part of its exclusive economic zone is consistent with the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea regulations. However, Washington arbitrarily interprets the convention and uses political manipulation with multiple standards for its own selfish interests.
