MANILA, Philippines – Nagpaabot na rin ng pagkabahala ang South Korea at France sa panggigipit ng China sa pinakahuling insidente sa West Philippine Sea nitong Sabado, Agosto 5.
Matatandaan na binomba kasi ng tubig ng Chinese Coast Guard ang barko ng Pilipinas sa resupply mission nito patungong Ayungin Shoal.
Sa pahayag nitong Martes, Agosto 8, nanawagan ang South Korean Embassy sa Manila ng rules-based order sa South China Sea.
“On the recent use of water cannons against the Philippine Coast Guard vessels in the South China Sea, the ROK (Republic of Korea) Embassy in the Philippines is concerned about the actions that raise tensions in these waters,” sinabi ng embahada ng Korea.
“The embassy reaffirms its support for peace, stability, and rules-based order in the South China Sea, as an important international sea lane of communications, and for the freedom of navigation and overflight based on the principles of international law, including UNCLOS (United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea),” dagdag pa nito.
Samantala, muling iginiit naman ng French Embassy sa Manila ang suporta nito sa 2016 Arbitral Ruling na nagbabasura sa ipinipilit ng China na sa kanila ang teritoryo dahil sa nine-dash line claim nito.
“France expresses its deep concern about the dangerous manoeuvres carried out by Chinese coastguard vessels in the South China Sea,” ayon sa French embassy.
“It reiterates its support for international law and the UNCLOS, and recalls the decision handed down by the Court of Arbitration in 2016 concerning the South China Sea,” dagdag pa.
Ang Ayungin Shoal ay matatagpuan 105 nautical miles mula sa Palawan at kabilang sa 200-nautical-mile exclusive economic zone. RNT/JGC
