Posted on 08/07/2023 10:25:31 PM PDT by SeekAndFind
MANILA, Philippines (AP) — The Philippine government summoned China’s ambassador on Monday and presented a strongly worded diplomatic protest over the Chinese coast guard’s use of water cannons in a weekend confrontation with Philippine vessels in the disputed South China Sea, officials said.
The tense hours-long standoff occurred Saturday near Second Thomas Shoal, which has been occupied for decades by Philippine forces stationed onboard a rusting, grounded navy ship but is also claimed by China. It was the latest flareup in long-seething territorial conflicts in the South China Sea involving China, the Philippines, Vietnam, Malaysia, Taiwan and Brunei.
The United States, the European Union, Australia and Japan expressed support for the Philippines and concern over the Chinese actions. Washington renewed a warning that it is obliged to defend its longtime treaty ally if Philippine public vessels and forces come under armed attack, including in the South China Sea.
Philippine coast guard and diplomatic officials held a news conference on Monday at which they showed videos and photographs which they said showed six Chinese coast guard ships and two militia vessels blocking two Philippine navy-chartered civilian boats taking supplies to the Philippine forces at Second Thomas Shoal. One supply boat was hit with a powerful water cannon by the Chinese coast guard, the Philippine military said.
Only one of the two Philippine boats managed to deliver food, water, fuel and other supplies to the Philippine forces guarding the shoal, the officials said.
During the confrontation, two Philippine coast guard ships escorting the supply boats were also blocked by the Chinese coast guard ships at close range and were threatened with water cannons. Three Chinese navy ships stood by at a close distance at one point, Philippine coast guard Commodore Jay Tarriela said.
(Excerpt) Read more at apnews.com ...
The map shows why China wants Taiwan and why nations in the area don’t want (mainland) China on Taiwan.
China does not have free access to the Pacific ocean! In case of war any naval vessel is in danger from land base aircraft. Having their ships based in Taiwan would open the Pacific to their navy.
China’s main problem is that it is not a friendly neighbor. In other words China does not have any allies. In case of war every nation in the area would be against China. They would not have to get involved in a land war they would just have to block any shipping in or out of China.
Since the 1970s China has been at war with the world using western money and technology to become a “superpower”. But China is a paper dragon and if cut off from western money it would collapse under the weight of it’s corrupt government.
At least that is my view of thing.
Come on Gorilla... We in Manila!!
Review
They’re scared of them and can’t count on Uncle Sugar. They dis their own benefactors.
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