In a significant escalation of tensions, President Joe Biden has recently declared that the United States would not hesitate to go to war against China in defense of the Philippines. This bold statement comes in the wake of an incident in the disputed Scarborough Shoal area of the South China Sea, where a Philippine coast guard ship and supply boat were rammed by Chinese vessels.
The incident occurred during a resupply mission to BRP Sierra Madre, a Philippine navy ship, on Second Thomas Shoal, also known as Ayungin Shoal. This atoll, claimed by several nations but located within the exclusive economic zone of the Philippines, is currently militarily occupied by the Philippines. The China Coast Guard vessel 5203 engaged in dangerous blocking maneuvers, leading to a collision with the Philippine indigenous resupply boat named Unaiza May 2.
Biden has officially threatened China…. pic.twitter.com/3xk2vaOdMi
— KhalDrogo207 (@khaldrogo207) October 27, 2023
Further complicating matters, during the same resupply mission, the Philippine Coast Guard vessel MRRV 4409 was bumped by the Chinese Maritime Militia vessel 00003 while positioned approximately 6.4NM Northeast of Ayungin Shoal. The Scarborough Shoal has long been a subject of territorial disputes between China and the Philippines. China’s increasing military assertiveness in the region has drawn international concern.
In response to these incidents, Biden invoked the 1951 U.S.-Philippines Mutual Defense Treaty, an agreement that commits both the United States and the Philippines to collectively defend against external military aggression. Article IV of this treaty recognizes that an armed attack in the Pacific area on either of the parties would be dangerous to its own peace and safety and declares that it would act to meet the common dangers in accordance with its constitutional processes.
BREAKING: Biden vows to go to war against China to defend The Philippines after The Philippines coast guard ship and supply boat were rammed by Chinese vessels at disputed Shoal in the South China Sea.
"The United States reaffirms that Article IV of the 1951 U.S.-Philippines… pic.twitter.com/lzy8ILSBbR
— Simon Ateba (@simonateba) October 25, 2023
Speaking at a White House press conference, Biden pledged military support to defend the Philippines. He stated, “I want to be clear. I want to be very clear. The United States defense commitment to the Philippines is ironclad. Any attack on the Filipino aircraft, vessels, or armed forces will invoke our mutual defense treaty with the Philippines.”
China immediately responded to Biden’s statement, contending that the United States has no right to interfere in matters between China and the Philippines. Foreign Ministry spokesperson Mao Ning argued that the US defense commitment to the Philippines should not undermine China’s sovereignty and maritime rights and interests in the South China Sea, nor should it support the illegal claims of the Philippines.
Despite China’s objections, Biden’s stance reaffirms the United States’ commitment to its allies and its readiness to uphold international law. This move marks an unprecedented escalation on the part of the United States, signaling a firm stance against China’s increasing military assertiveness in the region.
In conclusion, Biden’s declaration serves as a stern warning to China and a reassurance to the Philippines and other allies in the Pacific. It remains to be seen how this situation will unfold, but one thing is clear: the United States is prepared to defend its allies and uphold international law in the face of aggression.
