Sen. Eric Schmitt, R-Mo., is calling for action from the Pentagon in response to what he describes as Chinese intimidation of the Philippines in the South China Sea. This comes after a recent incident where a collision between Chinese and Filipino Coast Guard members led to injuries of Filipino crew members.
Schmitt has voiced concerns about the aggressive behavior of the Chinese Communist Party towards the Philippines, with the Philippines task force accusing China of attempting to impede a routine resupply and rotation mission. In light of these recent events, the senator is requesting a comprehensive plan from the Department of Defense on how the U.S. can assist the Philippines in countering Chinese actions in the region.
The U.S. State Department has condemned China’s actions and expressed support for the Philippines and international law. The Pentagon has also expressed concern over China’s disregard for international law and has called on China to abide by a 2016 international tribunal decision regarding territorial disputes in the South China Sea.
The issue of territorial disputes in the South China Sea is expected to be a topic of discussion at an upcoming summit of leaders of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations. The U.S. has warned that it will defend the Philippines if Filipino forces come under armed attack in the region, prompting a warning from China to stop interfering in what it considers an Asian dispute.
It is important to note that other countries, including Brunei, Malaysia, Vietnam, and Taiwan, also have overlapping claims in the South China Sea. The situation remains tense as various nations navigate these complex territorial issues. Stay tuned for updates on this developing story.
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