Blinken, Manalo discuss Chinese ‘escalatory actions’

MANILA, Philippines —  US Secretary of State Antony Blinken held a call yesterday with Foreign Affairs Secretary Enrique Manalo to discuss China’s “escalatory” actions to stop the delivery of food and supplies to a Philippine military outpost on BRP Sierra Madre in Ayungin Shoal early this week.

In a statement, State Department spokesman Matthew Miller said Blinken’s discussion with Manalo “followed the PRC (People’s Republic of China)’s dangerous and irresponsible actions to deny the Philippines from executing a lawful maritime operation in the South China Sea on June 17.”

He was referring to the Chinese coast guard personnel’s use of bladed weapons and hammers to force their way onto Philippine boats to stop them from reaching the Sierra Madre. Several Filipinos were injured in the ensuing scuffle, with one soldier losing a finger.

“Secretary Blinken emphasized that the PRC’s actions undermine regional peace and stability and underscored the United States’ ironclad commitments to the Philippines under our Mutual Defense Treaty,” Miller said.

He said the two officials also exchanged views on how to build on the momentum from recent high-level bilateral engagements on issues of mutual concern.

China’s use of violence against Filipinos in Ayungin Shoal last June 17 sparked condemnation from the international community.

The China Coast Guard ramming and towing Philippine vessels on a rotation and resupply mission sparked international condemnation.

The CCG’s “dangerous and deliberate use of water cannons, ramming, blocking maneuvers, and towing damaged Philippine vessels, endangered the lives of Philippine service members, is reckless, and threatens regional peace and stability.”

US Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin earlier said “the Philippines’ rightful, legal maritime claims must be protected.”

US National Security Council spokesman John Kirby called China’s behavior “provocative, reckless, unnecessary,” as it could “lead to something much bigger and much more violent.”

In a statement, Senate President Francis Escudero said yesterday the Philippines must do more than file diplomatic protests like exploring “every means to conduct a meaningful dialogue” with