The United States and Australia have both condemned China over what they described as “dangerous and aggressive” actions against Philippine vessels near Second Thomas Shoal (known in the Philippines as Ayungin Shoal) in the South China Sea.
The incident occurred on 20 July, leaving one Philippine Navy servicemember injured. China and the Philippines each blamed the other for the confrontation and summoned each other’s ambassadors, further escalating tensions in the disputed waters.
US State Department spokesperson Tommy Pigott said in a statement that China had repeatedly provoked the Philippines during its lawful maritime operations, undermining regional peace and stability and contradicting Beijing’s repeated commitments to resolve disputes peacefully. He said the United States condemned China’s dangerous and aggressive actions against Philippine naval personnel near Second Thomas Shoal, called on Beijing to immediately cease activities that destabilise the region, and reaffirmed Washington’s commitment to stand with its treaty ally, the Philippines. He also praised Philippine personnel for acting with professionalism and restraint during the incident.
The Chinese Embassy in the Philippines rejected the US statement, describing the accusations as “groundless.”
Australian Foreign Minister Penny Wong, who is visiting the Philippines, also expressed concern over the incident. During a visit to the Philippine Coast Guard, Wong said Australia remained concerned about destabilising and dangerous activities in the South China Sea, including the recent actions of Chinese vessels against Philippine ships. She told members of the Philippine Coast Guard that Australia would stand with the Philippines, praising their professionalism, dedication, and courage, and emphasising that the two countries are not only important partners but also close friends.
Wong also announced that Australia would further expand its support for the Philippine Coast Guard. Earlier this year, Australia provided the Philippines with 35 advanced underwater and long-range drones as part of an assistance package worth nearly A$10 million, which also includes technical training for operating the equipment.
Philippine Foreign Minister Theresa Lazaro said she had raised the incident during the ASEAN Foreign Ministers’ Meeting, although other ASEAN foreign ministers did not publicly comment on the matter. She said member states are currently focused on negotiations over the Code of Conduct in the South China Sea, with the aim of establishing rules that reduce the risk of territorial disputes escalating into military conflict.
Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Lin Jian responded by saying that East Asian cooperation platforms are not the appropriate venue for discussing bilateral maritime disputes. He urged the Philippines to fulfil its responsibilities as ASEAN chair by promoting regional cooperation rather than placing its own political interests above regional peace and stability. Lin also reiterated that China’s position on the 2024 temporary arrangement between China and the Philippines regarding resupply missions to Second Thomas Shoal remains unchanged.