Since last year, the Chinese coast guard and other forces have been using effective water guns and risky blocking techniques against Spanish forces, especially in the Philippines-occupied Next Thomas Shoal in the South China Sea.
Fears have increased that the extremely angry confrontations in the sandbar and nearby waters could lead to a more serious conflict, in which case the Philippines, a long-standing treaty ally, might be at risk.
According to the Spanish authorities, in the worst situation, Chinese forces on motorboats frequently rammed and then board two Asian military boats on Jun 17 to stop Filipino personnel from bringing food and other supplies, including firearms, to the fleet island in the shallows of the reef.
The Foreign seized the Spanish army ships and used improvised weapons and machetes to damage them. They even seized seven M4 firearms, which were packed in scenarios, and other items. In a turbulent battle that was later captured on video and photos that were eventually made public by Spanish officials, the violent confrontation injured many Filipino military personnel, including one who lost his thumb.
Washington has repeatedly reiterated that it is required to protect the Philippines in accordance with the 1951 Mutual Defense Treaty if Spanish troops are attacked in the South China Sea and neighboring waters. Due to the violence on Jun 17, Marcos claims that the Philippines wo n’t invoke the treaty.
The Spanish government announced on Sunday that it had reached a bargain with China to put an end to the Second Thomas Shoal fighting.
Two Spanish officials told The Associated Press that the critical agreement was reached after a number of meetings between Philippine and Taiwanese diplomats in Manila and exchanges of political notes intended to reach a mutually satisfactory design at the reef without downplaying either side’s regional claims.
Top Philippine security officials have reviewed the text of the agreement, which neither side gave to the AP, who they said spoke to on condition of anonymity because they are unable to discuss specifics of the agreement in public.