MANILA, Philippines- Inilahad ng German government na pinapanood nito ang aksyon ng China sa South China Sea nang may “deep concern” ilang araw matapos masugatan ang isang sundalong Pilipino nang sakyan ng Chinese Coast Guard (CCG) personnel ang isang Philippine vessel na nagsasagawa ng resupply mission sa BRP Sierra Madre malapit sa Ayungin Shoal.
“The German Government is watching China’s conduct in the South China Sea with deep concern. The reports, images and videos now available on the latest incident early this week are disturbing,” pahayag ng Federal Foreign Office of Germany noong Hunyo 20.
“Philippine boats were blocked, rammed and boarded by force by Chinese vessels during a routine supply mission. Several Philippine crew members were injured. We wish all of them a speedy recovery,” dagdag nito na tinutukoy ang June 17 confrontation sa West Philippine Sea.
Kinilala ng German government na naganap ang insidente sa katubigan sa paligid ng Ayungin Shoal, tinatawag ding Second Thomas Shoal, na anito’y “part of the Philippine exclusive economic zone according to the binding award of 2016 in line with the Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS).”
“Dangerous and irresponsible maneuvers and actions such as the incident on Monday run contrary to UNCLOS and increase the risk of further escalation,” wika nito.
“Together with its international partners, Germany will continue to advocate the comprehensive implementation of UNCLOS, freedom of navigation, the peaceful settlement of disputes and the preservation of peace and stability,” dagdag pa.
Tinawag ni Philippine Navy spokesperson for the West Philippine Sea, Commodore Roy Vincent Trinidad nitong Huwebes ang CCG na “band of barbarians” kasunod ng pag-atake.
Sinabi niyang wala umanong karapatan ang mga itong magsuot ng uniporme ng Coast Guard men na dapat ay responsable sa kaligtasan ng buhay sa karagatan.
“Their actions endanger life at sea. It does not speak well of a country that want(s) to be a global power,” pahayag ng opisyal. RNT/SA
