US criticizes China's actions in the East Sea

Philippine Coast Guard ship BRP Malapascua encounters Chinese Coast Guard ship in the South China Sea (Photo: AFP).

"We remain deeply concerned about (China's) continued intimidation and harassment of Philippine vessels as they continue to conduct routine patrols within the Philippines' exclusive economic zone," US Assistant Secretary of State for East Asian and Pacific Affairs Daniel Kritenbrink said in a telephone briefing on May 3.

According to the US diplomat , "such actions and behavior by Beijing are truly unacceptable."

Mr. Kritenbrink also said that the US and its partners recognize the importance of maintaining peace in the Taiwan Strait.

Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.'s visit to the United States this week underscored the strength and durability of the two countries' alliance, Mr. Kritenbrink said.

The Philippines last week accused the Chinese coast guard of “dangerous actions” and “aggressive tactics” in the South China Sea during a recent standoff between vessels from the two countries. China, meanwhile, said Philippine vessels had made “deliberately provocative moves.”

During a meeting with President Marcos at the White House, President Joe Biden said the United States remains unwavering in its commitment to defending the Philippines, including in the South China Sea.

The Philippines has recently had a series of policies that demonstrate the government's pivot to resume its traditional defense cooperation relationship with the United States.

As of now, the US is allowed to use nine bases in the Philippines, three of which are located in the northern Philippines, including a naval base and an air base in Cagayan province, and a barracks in neighboring Isabela province. One naval base is located in Santa Ana, Cagayan province, about 400km from Taiwan. The remaining base is located on Balabac Island, near the South China Sea.

Source: https://dantri.com.vn/the-gioi/my-chi-trich-hanh-dong-cua-trung-quoc-o-bien-dong-20230504085634691.htm