The Philippines has declined offers from the United States to assist with operations in the South China Sea. This decision follows a recent clash with China over missions to resupply Filipino troops on a contested shoal. The Philippines prefers to handle these operations independently, according to Armed Forces Chief General Romeo Brawner.
Rising Tensions and Recent Clashes in Philippines
The Mutual Defense Treaty (MDT) of 1951 governs relations between the Philippines and the United States. Tensions in the South China Sea have risen, resulting in violent confrontations. On June 17, a Filipino sailor lost a finger in what Manila called a “high-speed ramming” by the Chinese coast guard.
Despite this, the Philippines has decided to use its own resources before requesting international assistance. “We try to exhaust all of our options before asking for help,” General Brawner said.
US-Philippines Military Alliance
This treaty can be invoked if Philippine forces, public vessels, or aircraft are attacked in the South China Sea. However, the Philippines has not yet invoked this treaty despite increasing confrontations with China. “This is our legitimate national interest, so we don’t see any reason for them (the US) to come in,” said Philippine National Security Adviser Eduardo Ano.
Maintaining Sovereignty
Eduardo Ano emphasized that the Philippines aims to handle the situation independently. He stated, “We will assert our rights, we will not compromise our national interest, and we will continue to fight and claim what is ours.” Ano also mentioned that while there have been discussions with the US about China’s actions, the MDT is “far from being invoked.”
US Support and Expert Opinions
While the US has offered support, specific details have not been disclosed. Greg Poling, a South China Sea expert at Washington’s Center for Strategic and International Studies, believes the US is open to providing naval escorts for resupply missions. The US has already offered some limited support, such as consulting on how to stabilize the BRP Sierra Madre, a vessel grounded on the contested Second Thomas Shoal. US aircraft have also provided overwatch of the ship on multiple occasions.
China’s Assertive Actions
In 2016, the Permanent Court of Arbitration in The Hague ruled that China’s expansive claims in the South China Sea had no basis under international law. However, China rejects this ruling and continues to assert its claims. The Chinese coast guard has been patrolling the contested areas, causing concern among the Philippines, other Southeast Asian claimants, and the United States. The US is wary of China’s growing military power and territorial ambitions.
A Long-Standing Alliance
General Brawner explained that the US offer of support is not a direct response to the June 17 incident but rather a reflection of the enduring military alliance between the two countries. He said, “It is really because of our being treaty allies, so that offer has been available to us for a long time, not just because of the incident.” However, he noted that the Philippines has not requested this support yet, following orders from the president to rely on their own capabilities first.
Importance of the South China Sea
The South China Sea is a crucial shipping lane, with about $3 trillion in trade passing through it annually. China claims nearly the entire waterway, but Vietnam, Taiwan, Malaysia, and Brunei also have claims. This has led to a complex and tense situation, with the Philippines and other nations seeking to assert their rights and maintain their sovereignty.
The Philippines’ decision to handle the South China Sea operations independently underscores its commitment to sovereignty and self-reliance. While the US remains a key ally, Manila prefers to exhaust its own options first. As tensions continue, the situation in the South China Sea remains a critical point of focus for regional security and international relations.
