Philippines expresses ‘deep concern’ after China-Vietnam incident in South China Sea
- Citing a similar collision in June last year, Manila says it has experienced ‘how much trust in a friendship is lost’ following such incidents
- The April 3 collision between vessels from China and Vietnam has upped the ante over discussions on a code of conduct in the waters, analysts say
“Given the positive momentum on the discussions on a code of conduct in the South China Sea, it is crucial that such incidents be avoided and that differences be addressed in a manner that enhances dialogue and mutual trust,” said the Philippine Department of Foreign Affairs in a statement.
On June 9, 2019, a Chinese vessel struck a Philippine fishing boat, sending all 22 Filipino fishermen aboard tumbling into the sea. The Chinese ship was accused of leaving the area without helping the crew, who were later rescued by a Vietnamese vessel – for which the Philippines once again thanked Vietnam in its Wednesday missive.
“Covid-19 is a very real threat that demands unity and mutual trust,” it said. “In the face of it, neither fish nor fictional historical claims are worth the fuse that’s lit by such incidents.”
The comments from the Philippines come amid intense finger-pointing between Hanoi and Beijing over who is to blame, with regional analysts saying it could up the ante in ongoing discussions over a code of conduct for the disputed waters.
