Agreement To Avoid Confrontations

South China Sea: Philippines and China Reach Agreement, US Warns of Defense

Agreement to Avoid Confrontations

The Philippines and China have reached an agreement to avoid confrontations during resupply missions to troops stationed at a disputed shoal in the South China Sea. The deal was announced on Tuesday by the Philippine Foreign Ministry. The agreement aims to prevent further escalation of tensions between the two countries, which have been locked in a territorial dispute over the South China Sea for decades. The shoal, known as Scarborough Shoal, is located about 124 miles from the Philippine coast and is claimed by both countries.

US Warns China

US President Joe Biden has warned China that the US will defend the Philippines in case of any attack in the disputed South China Sea. Biden made the statement during a phone call with Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte on Tuesday. The US has long maintained that it has a national interest in the South China Sea and has repeatedly called on China to respect the rights of other countries in the region.

Tensions Rise

Tensions in the South China Sea have been rising in recent months, as China has stepped up its military presence in the region. The Philippines has accused China of harassing its fishermen and military vessels in the disputed waters. In July, the Philippines and China engaged in a standoff at Scarborough Shoal, after Chinese vessels blocked Philippine resupply ships from reaching the shoal. The standoff was eventually resolved through diplomatic channels, but tensions remain high.

Historical Background

The South China Sea is a vital waterway that is rich in natural resources, including fish, oil, and gas. The sea is also home to some of the world's busiest shipping lanes. China claims sovereignty over most of the South China Sea, based on a "nine-dash line" that it has drawn on maps. However, this claim is disputed by the Philippines, Vietnam, Malaysia, Brunei, and Taiwan.

International Law

The international community has not recognized China's claim to the South China Sea. In 2016, an international tribunal ruled that China's claim to the sea had no legal basis. The tribunal also ruled that China had violated the Philippines' rights under the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS).

Conclusion

The agreement between the Philippines and China to avoid confrontations in the South China Sea is a welcome step, but it is important to note that tensions remain high in the region. The US has warned China that it will defend the Philippines in case of any attack, and the international community is closely monitoring the situation.