PGasia | G7 Leaders Address Growing Tensions in East and South China Seas
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China’s Actions Under Scrutiny
MANILA, Philippines – On Saturday, June 15, as the China Coast Guard began enforcing its “trespass” rules in the South China Sea, the Group of Seven (G7) leaders voiced their opposition to China’s “dangerous” maneuvers against Philippine vessels.
G7 Communique Highlights
The G7, comprising the United States, Italy, Britain, France, Germany, Japan, and Canada, issued a statement expressing grave concern over the escalating situation in the East and South China Seas. They strongly opposed any unilateral actions to alter the status quo through force or coercion. “We continue opposing China’s dangerous use of coast guard and maritime militia in the South China Sea and its repeated obstruction of countries’ high seas freedom of navigation,” the leaders stated.
Condemning Aggressive Tactics
Meeting in Apulia, Italy, the G7 leaders highlighted their alarm over China’s increasing use of dangerous maneuvers and water cannons against Philippine vessels. They emphasized that China’s expansive maritime claims in the South China Sea have no legal basis. The leaders opposed China’s militarization and intimidation tactics in the region, reaffirming the importance of the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS) as the governing legal framework for oceanic and maritime activities.
Reaffirming International Law
The G7 reiterated the significance of the Arbitral Tribunal’s ruling on July 12, 2016, which is legally binding on the parties involved and provides a foundation for peacefully resolving disputes. The leaders stressed the universal applicability of UNCLOS in maintaining international maritime order.
China’s New Rules and Regional Implications
In May, China issued new rules effective June 15, enforcing a 2021 coast guard law that permits the detention of foreigners suspected of trespassing. China maintains that this law does not target any specific country, despite growing regional concerns.
Philippine Response
Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. described China’s new policy as an escalation in the West Philippine Sea. The overlapping maritime claims between China and the Philippines, among other nations, continue to result in routine harassment of Philippine vessels and fishermen.
Conclusion
The G7 leaders’ strong stance against China’s actions underscores the international community’s commitment to upholding maritime laws and ensuring freedom of navigation in the South China Sea. Their call for adherence to international law highlights the need for peaceful resolution of disputes to maintain regional stability.
Philippines Takes Action on China’s New “Trespass” Rule
Philippines Files Claim with UN
On the very day that China began enforcing its controversial “trespass” rule in the South China Sea, the Philippines took decisive action by filing a claim with the United Nations (UN) Commission on the Limits of the Continental Shelf (CLCS). This claim pertains to an extended continental shelf (ECS) in the West Philippine Sea, demonstrating the Philippines’ firm stance on asserting its maritime rights.
International Objections to China’s Actions
Earlier in May, defense ministers from the Philippines, the United States, Japan, and Australia collectively voiced strong objections to the “dangerous use” of Chinese maritime militia in the West Philippine Sea. These concerns highlight the growing unease over China’s aggressive tactics in disputed waters, which many nations see as a threat to regional stability and international maritime law.
G7 Leaders Address China’s Aggressive Moves
In a related development, the Group of Seven (G7) leaders issued a stern warning to China during their summit. The G7 statement condemned China’s militarization and coercive activities in the South China Sea, emphasizing that such actions have no legal basis. The G7 leaders also highlighted the potential for action against Chinese financial institutions that facilitate Russia’s acquisition of weapons for its ongoing conflict in Ukraine. This broader geopolitical stance underscores the international community’s commitment to countering destabilizing actions by China on multiple fronts.
Conclusion
The Philippines’ proactive steps at the UN and the collective international response underscore the serious global concern over China’s aggressive maritime policies. By rallying international support and utilizing legal avenues, the Philippines aims to protect its sovereign rights in the West Philippine Sea. The G7’s firm stance further amplifies the call for adherence to international law and the maintenance of regional stability.
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