The US said it was backing the Philippines’ complaints against the swarming of parts of the country’s waters in the South China Sea by Chinese vessels believed to be manned by its maritime militia that undermined the livelihood of Filipino fishermen.
Western Command chief Vice Adm. Alberto Carlos confirmed the “swarming presence” of Chinese fishing vessels at Iroquois Reef and also at Sabina Shoal during the same period.
“The United States stands with our ally, the Philippines, in upholding the rules-based international order and freedom of navigation in the South China Sea as guaranteed under international law” Price said.Suspected militia Sen. Francis Tolentino showed a video of the Chinese militia cutting the rope used by the Filipinos to tow the object.It said that his statement “contains unfounded accusations against China that attempt to stir up troubles and drive a wedge between China and the Philippines.”It made a subtle reference to China’s expansive claims to nearly all of the South China Sea when it said that the Philippines and China were separated by “only a strip of water.
Disputes between the two countries were being handled properly and bilaterally through dialogue and consultation, it said. “The freedom of navigation in terms of our fishermen should be pursued and highlighted; the right of our fishermen should be protected,” he said.
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