US, EU condemn China's aggressive actions in West Philippine Sea

United States Ambassador MaryKay Carlson and European Union diplomat Luc Veron expressed concern over China's aggressive behavior in the West Philippine Sea on Sunday.

Ambassador Carlson stated that China's actions, including disrupting a legal Filipino mission near Escoda Shoal, are dangerous and unlawful, emphasizing U.S. support for the Philippines.

Veron highlighted an incident where Chinese vessels rammed and used water cannons against a Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) ship, causing engine failure and forcing the termination of a humanitarian operation.

The EU diplomat stressed the importance of respecting international law, including the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS), in the South China Sea.

Chinese vessels also deployed flares against a Philippine fisheries aircraft during separate incidents on August 19 and 22 in the West Philippine Sea.