US concerned over China’s ‘coercive’ behavior near Ayungin

From the Philippine News Agency (Jul 7, 2023): US concerned over China’s ‘coercive’ behavior near Ayungin (By Joyce Ann L. Rocamora)

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MANILA – The United States expressed its concern over what it called China’s “coercive and risky operational behavior” in the South China Sea, including the Ayungin Shoal.

This was conveyed during a phone call between US Defense Secretary Lloyd J. Austin III and Defense chief Gilberto Teodoro Jr. on Friday. In the call, Austin reiterated Washington D.C.'s commitment to the defense of Filipino public vessels in the vital sea lane.

“Secretary Austin noted with concern the PRC's (People’s Republic of China) recent coercive and risky operational behavior directed against Philippine vessels operating safely and lawfully in the South China Sea, including around Second Thomas Shoal (Ayungin),” the Pentagon said in a readout.

Austin, it said, highlighted the United States' “ironclad alliance commitment with the Philippines and reiterated that the Mutual Defense Treaty extends to Philippine public vessels, aircraft, and armed forces—to include those of its Coast Guard—in the Pacific, including anywhere in the South China Sea”.

The Philippine Coast Guard earlier reported that some Chinese Coast Guard vessels had “constantly followed, harassed, and obstructed” its ships when it undertook a naval operation with the Armed Forces of the Philippines Western Command last June 30 off Ayungin.

In the report, it said two People’s Liberation Army Navy vessels were also sighted near the shoal.

In a separate tweet, US Ambassador to the Philippines MaryKay Carlson said China’s behavior is “irresponsible” and threatens the security and legal rights of the Philippines.

“We call on the PRC to comply with international law, including implementing the legally binding 2016 award in the Philippines v. China Law of the Sea Convention arbitration as a starting point to achieve a free and open Indo-Pacific,” she said.

The two Defense secretaries discussed opportunities to partner with like-minded nations such as Japan and Australia to further ensure a free and open Indo-Pacific region.

Austin and Teodoro also agreed to meet in person for in-depth discussions on defense and security priorities.

The Pentagon said both officials look forward to expeditiously conclude a Security Sector Assistance Roadmap, which will advance shared defense modernization goals over the next five years, as well as a General Security of Information Agreement to enable future transfers of advanced and interoperable US technology.

“Their discussion reaffirmed the United States and the Philippines' enduring commitment to standing shoulder-to-shoulder as allies to bring greater security, prosperity, and stability to the Indo-Pacific region and beyond,” the Pentagon said.

Ironclad alliance

The Department of National Defense, meanwhile said the phone call between Teodoro and Austin reaffirmed the "ironclad" alliance between the Philippines and the US.

"After congratulating Secretary Teodoro on his recent appointment as the Philippines’ defense chief, US Secretary Austin emphasized the US’ commitment to working with the Philippines in modernizing the alliance as close partners in the Indo-Pacific region. It was underscored that much progress has been made between the two defense establishments within a short period of time," DND spokesperson Arsenio Andolong said in a statement.

And with the recent establishment of the Bilateral Defense Guidelines, Teodoro reaffirmed the DND’s commitment to sustaining dialogue platforms and bilateral mechanisms with the view of enhancing interoperability not only at the level of the armed forces but to include between the two defense departments.

"Secretary Austin re-echoed previous statements of the US that the Mutual Defense Treaty extends to public vessels to include aircraft and the coast guards anywhere in the South China Sea. Secretary Teodoro welcomed the US’ commitments and looked forward to working with US counterparts on ongoing bilateral initiatives as well as pursuing other areas of cooperation," Andolong said.

Both sides also committed to working together on the proposed General Security of Military Information Agreement (GSOMIA), a Security Sector Assistance Roadmap, joint patrols, and working with other regional partners, as well as other concrete initiatives.

"Secretary Teodoro welcomed more regular interactions with Secretary Austin not only through in-person engagements but also through other means," Andolong said. (with Priam Nepomuceno/PNA)

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1205145