Harri Kamarainen, stating on X that “the use of water cannons and other dangerous actions in the South China Sea are deeply concerning and go against the principles of international law and UNCLOS.”
The United States and around a dozen other global governments have rallied around the Philippines after the country reported fresh clashes with China’s coast guard and paramilitary vessels in the contested South China Sea. This issue has sparked widespread international condemnation and prompted key allies to reaffirm their support for the Philippines’ defense of its rights in the region.
The United States, Canada, Japan, South Korea, the United Kingdom, Australia, New Zealand, the European Union, France, Germany, and Denmark are among those that have publicly condemned China’s recent actions in the South China Sea. These nations have reaffirmed their support for the Philippines’ rights under international law, particularly the 1982 U.N. Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS) and an arbitral tribunal’s 2016 ruling in The Hague that rejected Beijing’s sweeping claims in the South China Sea.
This show of solidarity indicates a unified stand against China’s coercion in the disputed waters and emphasizes the importance of upholding international law to maintain peace and stability in the region. The governments’ statements underscore the significance of the 2016 arbitral award, which is legally binding and provides a framework for peacefully resolving disputes in the South China Sea.
The international support for the Philippines also highlights the need to protect freedom of navigation and uphold the rules-based international order, as enshrined in UNCLOS. The strong condemnation of China’s aggressive actions demonstrates a commitment to countering any attempts to undermine regional stability in the South China Sea.
The global response to these recent clashes reinforces the principle of a Free and Open Indo-Pacific, emphasizing the importance of protecting the rights and safety of all nations operating in the South China Sea. The joint condemnation of China’s actions sends a clear message that the international community stands together in upholding the rule of law and promoting peace and security in the region.
Overall, the coordinated support from the United States and numerous other governments for the Philippines in the wake of the recent South China Sea clashes reflects a unified commitment to defending the principles of international law, safeguarding freedom of navigation, and promoting stability in the Indo-Pacific region. This collective stance serves as a powerful demonstration of the shared values and common interests that bind nations together in addressing challenges to regional security and upholding the rule-based international order.
