China’s action during recent resupply mission at Ayungin Shoal sparked Mutual Defense Treaty discussion

June 21, 2024 , 03:00 PM

(June 21, 2024) – Talks for the Philippines to invoke its Mutual Defense Treaty with the United States have sparked in light of China’s recent harassment in the West Philippine Sea during the resupply mission to Ayungin Shoal on June 17. However, the Philippines insists it will not use force despite China’s increasing provocations.

Maritime security expert Ray Powell is convinced that the recent actions of the China Coast Guard (CCG), including pointing axes and knives and puncturing the rubber boats of the Philippines during its latest resupply mission, are considered an “armed attack.”

“The Chinese Coast Guard were clearly armed. Just because they didn’t shoot weapons, it doesn’t mean that they weren’t armed. They were certainly in attack,” he stated.

Under the MDT, the United States would invoke mutual defense commitments in case of an armed attack on Philippine forces, aircraft, or vessels. The policy guidance of US Indo-Pacific Command has expanded the definition of “armed attack” to include any illegal use of force resulting in death, injury, or destruction.

However, former associate justice Antonio Carpio believes the incident does not yet warrant invoking the Mutual Defense Treaty as no firearms were used. He described China’s actions as an “escalation,” and advised against falling into a trap that could justify stronger Chinese aggression.

“’Pag kumagat tayo, ang firepower nila mas malakas. So dapat we’ll try not to fall for their bait. Basta makaresupply tayo, okay tayo. ‘Pag gumamit ng itak, itak din. Hindi naman ang response, atomic bomb agad,” he said.

On the other hand, Philippine Navy Spokesperson for the West Philippine Sea, Roy Vincent Trinidad, emphasized the Philippines’ commitment to non-violence as it is not part of their policy in the West Philippines Sea.

“Hindi naman tayo nagpabaya pero ang dala natin bare hands. May mga kaunti tayong gamit sa barko na hindi naman talaga offensive in nature,” Trinidad stated.

The Senate also expressed alarm by the escalating tension in the West Philippine Sea. Senate Pres. Francis “Chiz” Escudero has called for a meeting with the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) to discuss the country’s steps in addressing the issue.

(With reports from Elain Fulgencio, News5)

(PB)

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