07/09/2024
After reaching a temporary arrangement (July 21) to ease tensions at Second Thomas Shoal, China and the Philippines confrontation seemed to move to other areas in the South China Sea (East Sea in Vietnam) in August, of which Sabina Shoal could be considered the most noticeable.
Photo: Jam Sta Rosa/AFP/Getty Images
1/ China and the Philippines ships at Sabina Shoal:
Beside Sabina Shoal, the Philippines also accused China of launching flares at Philippine patrol aircrafts near Scarborough Shoal (August 8[8]) and Subi Reef (August 22[9]).
2/ International responses so far
Regarding new developments at Sabina Shoal and some other spots in the South China Sea, the international community has expressed strong concern:
3/ The above developments indicate some notable differences from the developments at Second Thomas Shoal back in June:
With all the abovementioned developments, will China and the Philippines find a way to expand the existing temporary arrangement or negotiate another one to avoid more serious and dangerous collisions at their new “Second Thomas Shoal”?
An original version of the article was published here.
Translated by ND.
Edited by HD.
[1] https://x.com/jaytaryela/status/1825351369756414183
[2] https://www.ccg.gov.cn/wqzf/202408/t20240825_2438.html
[3] https://x.com/jaytaryela/status/1827634561502843071
[4] https://x.com/jaytaryela/status/1828077854539874574
[5] https://www.ccg.gov.cn/wqzf/202408/t20240829_2445.html
[6] https://www.ccg.gov.cn/wqzf/202408/t20240831_2450.html
[7] https://x.com/jaytaryela/status/1829795642484670573
[8] https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1230915
[9] https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1231897
[10] https://www.state.gov/u-s-support-for-the-philippines-in-the-south-china-sea-12/
[11] https://www.dfat.gov.au/news/media-release/statement-pattern-deeply-concerning-and-dangerous-actions-south-china-sea#:~:text=The%20Australian%20Government%20is%20deeply,the%20use%20of%20water%20cannons.
[12] https://x.com/MOFA_Taiwan/status/1828417440822542377
[13] https://www.inquirer.net/412382/2-ph-ships-40-chinese-vessels-onboard-resupply-mission-to-escoda-shoal/
[14] http://english. president.gov.tw/Default.aspx?tabid=491&itemid=37703&rmid=2355
[15] https://taiwannews.com.tw/news/5904907
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