Following China’s recent aggressive provocation, where a Philippine supply vessel was targeted by a water cannon attack in the West Philippine Sea, a multitude of nations have rallied behind the Philippines, denouncing the former’s blatant aggression.
As reported by the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) on Saturday, March 23, it was during the supply vessel’s routine rotation and resupply mission en route to Ayungin Shoal that the China Coast Guard let loose a water cannon barrage directed at the vessel, resulting in severe damage to the ship and injuring three soldiers.
Quick on the uptake, the European Union (EU) swiftly voiced its deep concern over China’s dangerous maneuvers, stressing that such means put human lives at risk, sabotage regional stability and international norms, and jeopardize security both in and beyond the region.
Moreover, forming a chorus of condemnation, other international powerhouses, such as the United States, the United Kingdom, Japan, Germany, France, Canada, and Australia, strongly affirmed their unequivocal support for the Philippines, emphasizing the need for restraint, respect for sovereignty, and the peaceful resolution of disputes in accordance with established norms and conventions.
“It is with each drop of China’s water cannon attack that this sense of anger within me surges. It’s an affront to decency, sovereignty, and basic humanity.” Gerson Fontelar, a Bachelor of Science in Biology (BSBio) graduate and currently a Medical student at Bicol University, stated.
Fontelar stressed that China’s aggression is but a reprehensible display of power-hungry disregard for international norms and human rights in an attempt to assert dominance and control at any cost.
“Yet, amidst this aggression, this supposed global outcry somehow restores my faith. To see nations unite in condemnation reaffirms our shared commitment to justice, peace, and the rule of law,” he added.
Furthermore, backing that of Fontelar’s sentiments, Jasper Pajantoy, a volunteer teacher at Barcelona National Comprehensive High School in Sorsogon, asserted that China’s relentless aggression not only undermines our sovereignty but also threatens the safety and well-being of Filipinos at sea.
She lamented the recurring harassment incidents, placing emphasis on the urgent need for concrete action to protect the country’s maritime rights and ensure the safety of its people.
“Considering the broader implications of this conflict, I call for strategic diplomatic efforts for the Philippines to push through these complexities, safeguard its interests, and avert escalating tensions that could adversely affect various aspects of our society,” Pajantoy claimed.
Further expanding the solidarity network, other nations, including the Czech Republic, Denmark, Finland, Hungary, Italy, South Korea, the Netherlands, New Zealand, Poland, Romania, Spain, and Sweden, backed the Philippines in the face of such egregious circumstances. | Kian Kirby F. Florano