Additional Coverage:
- Why China rammed a Philippine ship while 60 Minutes was on board (newsbreak.com)
### Rising Tensions in the South China Sea: U.S. Could Be Pulled Into Philippines-China Conflict
Tensions between the Philippines and China in the South China Sea have been escalating, and a U.S. intervention may be on the horizon due to a mutual defense treaty between the U.S. and the Philippines. A recent episode of “60 Minutes” provided a firsthand look at the hostile environment, featuring a Philippine Coast Guard ship being intentionally rammed by the Chinese Coast Guard.
For the past two years, China has been forcefully ramming Philippine vessels and using water cannons against them. Discussions between Washington and Manila are ongoing to determine the scenarios that would activate U.S. involvement, as noted by Philippine Secretary of National Defense Gilberto Teodoro. He emphasized that the aggressive actions of China cannot be ignored.
### China’s Aggressive Stance
China asserts sovereignty over nearly the entire South China Sea, a crucial route for over $3 trillion in goods annually. However, a 2016 international tribunal ruling granted exclusive economic rights to the Philippines in a 200-mile zone that includes the area where the “60 Minutes” crew experienced the ramming. China has rejected this ruling.
Gilberto Teodoro described China as “the proverbial schoolyard bully,” highlighting its forceful tactics. According to Ray Powell, a retired U.S. Air Force colonel and head of the Sealight project at Stanford University, China’s disregard for international law stems from its current global power status.
### A Close Encounter for “60 Minutes”
Just last month, a “60 Minutes” crew captured the perilous situation in the South China Sea. Correspondent Cecilia Vega was aboard the Cape Engaño, a Philippine Coast Guard vessel on a routine mission when they were rammed by a Chinese ship in the wee hours of the morning. The collision created a 3.5-foot hole in the ship’s hull.
Surrounded by Chinese vessels, Vega reported the crew’s struggle to navigate away from the confrontation. The Filipino crew even prepared to defend themselves with clubs in case the Chinese attempted to board. Despite the damage, Captain Daniel Labay of the Cape Engaño asserted their mission would continue, emphasizing the Philippines’ sovereign rights over the area.
### The Most Violent Incident Yet
The Sierra Madre, a World War II-era battleship, has been the site of the most violent clash so far. In June, as the Philippine Navy tried to resupply the ship, the Chinese blocked their efforts armed with bladed weapons and spears.
A Filipino Navy SEAL lost his thumb during the encounter. General Romeo Brawner described these acts as those of “pirates” and warned that armed conflict could provoke a broader war.
### U.S. Preparations and Stance
The U.S. is bound by a mutual defense treaty to defend the Philippines if an armed attack occurs. Failure to uphold this obligation could damage U.S. credibility with its allies. Currently, the U.S. engages in regular joint military exercises with the Philippines and has committed substantial military aid and upgrades to Philippine bases.
President Biden has reaffirmed the U.S. commitment to the Philippines, emphasizing the relationship’s “ironclad” nature. However, recent U.S. military moves, such as sending mid-range missile systems capable of reaching China, have angered Beijing.
China accuses the Philippines of increasing the risk of war, a claim dismissed by Teodoro, who argues that adhering to international law is within the Philippines’ rights.
As tensions continue to simmer, the potential for U.S. involvement remains a critical point of concern for global stability.
Read More About This Story:
- Why China rammed a Philippine ship while 60 Minutes was on board (newsbreak.com)