Following a string of clashes and incidents on air and at sea over the past week, the Philippine government criticized China on Monday ( Aug 26 ) for its “repeated aggressive, unprofessional, and illegal” actions in the South China Sea.
Chinese aircraft engaged in risky maneuvers against a civil aircraft while conducting guards over the Scarborough shoal and Subi coast, according to the Philippines ‘ national sea council.
On Sunday, Chinese vessels even “blocked, rammed and fired water guns” against a federal fishing vehicle while doing a recharge mission to Filipino sailors in Sabina reef, it said.
These steps are “alarming”, the sea committee said in a statement.
Calls into question China’s ostensible devotion to avert an upheaval of the region’s circumstance and foster dialogue and consultation, according to the council.
The Philippines urged China to “return to the path of creative dialogue” on South China Sea issues, adding that it will continue to pursue diplomacy in handling coastal issues.
Gilberto Teodoro, the minister of defense in the Philippines, added on Monday that the clashes that occurred close to the Sabina shoal were “patently unlawful.”
Because this is a fight, we must anticipate this kind of behavior from China. We must be prepared to assume and adapt to these kinds of Chinese deeds, which are obviously against the law, Teodoro told reporters.