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Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. has drawn a crimson line in his standoff with China, warning Beijing that it will contemplate any Filipino soldier killed by a water cannon in Beijing as an “act of warfare,” elevating fears that an escalation might drag the US alongside. in a battle within the South China Sea.
The Philippine chief was answering a hypothetical query throughout the annual Shangri-La Dialogue safety summit in Singapore, attended by protection chiefs from around the globe, together with Protection Secretary Lloyd Austin.
Manila complains that Chinese language patrol ships are firing water cannons at Philippine boats and provide ships.
WWIII MAY BEGIN OVER THE PHILIPPINES DISPUTE IN THE SOUTH CHINA SEA, CHINA DOES NOT ‘RESPECT’ TREATIES, EXPERT SAYS
The Chinese language Coast Guard fires water cannons at a chartered Philippine Navy ship. (Ezra Acayan/Getty Pictures)
“If a deliberate act kills a Filipino – not only a soldier however even a Filipino civilian – I feel that could be very, very near what we outline as an act of warfare and due to this fact we are going to reply accordingly. And our treaty companions, I feel we must always apply the identical normal,” Marcos mentioned, in accordance with the BBC.
The US is sure by a treaty signed with the Philippines to defend them if the nation is attacked. China and the Philippines have just lately clashed over territory within the area.
Some Filipinos have been injured in latest clashes, however none have been killed up to now.
“As soon as we get to that time, we would definitely have crossed the Rubicon. Is {that a} crimson line? It is nearly sure it is going to be a crimson line.” Marcos mentioned.
CHINA SENDS MINDPLANTS, BOATS AROUND TAIWAN AFTER PHONE CALL BETWEEN XI AND BIDEN
On this screenshot from an Armed Forces of the Philippines video, a Chinese language coast guard ship makes use of water cannon on the Philippine provide ship Unaizah on Could 4 because it approaches Second Thomas Shoal, regionally known as Ayungin Shoal, within the disputed South China Sea on March 23, 2024. (Armed Forces of the Philippines through AP)
Austin additionally spoke on the assembly and sought to refocus consideration on the Chinese language risk within the Asia-Pacific, making an attempt to allay issues that conflicts in Ukraine and Gaza have diverted consideration from America’s safety commitments within the area. Austin met along with his Chinese language counterpart, Dong Jun, on Friday in an effort to chill friction on points from Taiwan to Chinese language navy exercise within the South China Sea.
“Regardless of these historic clashes in Europe and the Center East, the Indo-Pacific has remained our main theater of operations,” Austin mentioned in his speech. “Let me be clear: The USA can solely be secure if Asia is secure. That’s the reason america has lengthy maintained our presence on this area.”
Austin underscored the significance of alliances within the area and known as for a peaceable decision of disputes by way of dialogue and never coercion or battle.
He mentioned the harassment the Philippines has confronted “is harmful – plain and easy.”
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Protection Secretary Lloyd Austin known as america’ dedication to the treaty with the Philippines “ironclad.” (Reuters/Violeta Santos Moura)
Austin known as america’ dedication to the Philippines treaty “ironclad,” although he declined to invest on how the U.S. would reply if Manila’s crimson line have been crossed.
“There are some issues that may occur at sea or within the air, we understand that,” Austin mentioned. “However our aim is to ensure we do not permit issues to get out of hand unnecessarily.”
“A warfare or battle with China is, in my view, neither imminent nor inevitable.”
Philippines warns of ‘crimson line’ with Beijing amid heightened tensions within the South China Sea
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