In a letter expected to be sent to the Biden administration, GOP Senators Roger Wicker, Marco Rubio, and Jim Risch are urging increased support for the Philippines in response to repeated aggressive incidents from Chinese maritime assets in the South China Sea. The senators detailed a series of incidents involving the People’s Republic Coast Guard and maritime militia, aimed at disrupting the Philippines’ efforts to resupply the stranded BRP Sierra Madre tank landing ship. These incidents included tactics such as deploying water cannons and issuing threats to intercept supply vessels.
The senators expressed concern that China’s actions are on the verge of triggering a humanitarian crisis by blocking the resupply of the BRP Sierra Madre, potentially starving Filipino sailors on the vessel. They emphasized that China’s main purpose is to force the Philippines to abandon Second Thomas Shoal and gain de facto control of the territorial feature, thereby expanding its unlawful maritime claims. The senators highlighted the importance of providing a comprehensive overview of strategies to bolster the Philippine mission concerning the Sierra Madre, as failure to do so may embolden further adverse actions.
The senators called on President Biden to take strong action, reminding him of the U.S. mutual defense commitments to the Philippines. They emphasized that China’s actions are testing the credibility and value of these commitments, and a failure to respond with strength would have significant consequences. The Biden administration has stated that it would defend the Philippines against potential threats under the 1951 Mutual Defense Treaty.
The United States, along with other allies, expressed alarm over the Chinese action off Second Thomas Shoal. The State Department issued a statement reaffirming its support for the Philippines and condemning China’s dangerous and unlawful actions. Secretary of Defense Lloyd J. Austin III and Philippine Secretary of the Department of National Defense Carlito Galvez established the “Bilateral Defense Guidelines” in May, which emphasized the mutual defense commitments under the U.S.-Philippines Mutual Defense Treaty.
Washington has deployed forces to the disputed South China Sea to patrol the waters and promote freedom of navigation. This move has angered Beijing, which has warned the U.S. to stop meddling. Recently, Chinese coast guard ships and navy ships formed a blockade to prevent Philippine coast guard ships from delivering supplies to Filipino forces stationed at Second Thomas Shoal.
The situation in the South China Sea remains tense as the Philippines seeks support from the United States and its allies against China’s aggressive actions. The Biden administration’s response to this plea for increased support will be closely watched, as it will have implications for regional stability and the U.S.’s commitment to its allies.
In conclusion, GOP senators are urging the Biden administration to increase support for the Philippines in response to aggressive actions from Chinese maritime assets in the South China Sea. The senators highlight the need for a strong response to prevent a humanitarian crisis and maintain the U.S.’s credibility in its mutual defense commitments. The situation underscores the ongoing tensions in the South China Sea and the importance of U.S. support for its allies in the region.
