The Philippines has firmly rejected the "use of force" to undermine its interests in the West Philippine Sea while emphasizing its desire to avoid conflict. National Security Adviser Eduardo Año stated on Friday that the country is working to ease tensions with China in the contested waters.
"We don't want war," Año told reporters. He mentioned ongoing efforts to de-escalate the situation, with both Manila and Beijing accusing each other of aggressive actions and environmental damage in the disputed area.
Central to the recent tensions is the Second Thomas Shoal (Ayungin Shoal), where the Philippines has maintained a grounded warship since 1999 to assert its maritime claims. Regular supply missions are sent to the troops stationed there.
Last month, the Philippines accused the China Coast Guard of intentionally ramming and damaging its vessels to disrupt a military resupply mission, resulting in a Filipino sailor losing a finger. China claims nearly the entire South China Sea, including the Second Thomas Shoal, and rejects the 2016 ruling by the Permanent Court of Arbitration in The Hague, which invalidated Beijing's expansive claims.
"We reject any attempt to deny our strategic agencies, especially by the use of force that seeks to coerce and subordinate the national interests of the Philippines," Año said at a forum marking the ruling's eighth anniversary. He stressed the importance of upholding the 2016 award and opposing efforts to undermine its significance.
The European Union and the United States have called for respect and adherence to the arbitration ruling. U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken expressed concern over China's actions and urged the PRC to comply with the ruling and cease its destabilizing conduct.
Despite the tensions, Año reiterated the Philippines' commitment to peace, dialogue, and diplomacy in addressing and managing difficult issues in the West Philippine Sea.
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