US Defense Secretary condemns Chinese attacks in the South China Sea as “irresponsible”

The US Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin stated on Thursday that the recent South China Sea conflict involving Chinese and Philippine vessels, where Chinese coast guard used high-pressure water cannons to damage Philippine ships and injure crew members, was deemed as “irresponsible behavior” disregarding international law. Austin reiterated the firm security commitment of the United States to the Philippines.

In a meeting held at the US Indo-Pacific Command headquarters in Hawaii, Austin met with defense ministers from Australia, Japan, and the Philippines to discuss enhancing stability and security in the Indo-Pacific region. This marked the second meeting following last year’s initial gathering of the defense ministers in Singapore in May.

According to a news release issued by the US Department of Defense on Friday, an unnamed defense official revealed that during the meeting, the Philippines highlighted concerns over China’s troubling actions in harassing Philippine vessels in the South China Sea; while Japan and Australia bluntly stated that China’s behavior was utterly unacceptable.

The anonymous official stated, “As allies, we not only need to act collectively but also consider how to address many concerning actions and coercive behaviors we see in the region, which is evidently a topic of shared concern.”

During the meeting, the leaders of the four countries discussed the current security situation in the entire region and explored new initiatives to bring more security and stability to the Indo-Pacific region, including conducting more joint maritime exercises and activities involving the four countries, as well as providing coordinated security assistance to the Philippines.

In a joint press conference after the meeting, Austin remarked, “We’ve made it very clear to everyone, including the Chinese government, that we’ve seen Filipino sailors in harm’s way… sailors injured, assets damaged. That’s irresponsible.” Austin reiterated, “Our commitment to the treaty remains ironclad, and we stand with the Philippines,” stating that the US will continue to support the Philippines in accordance with the 1951 Mutual Defense Treaty.

Filipino Defense Minister Gilberto Teodoro, attending the press conference with Austin, stated that the US and the Philippines are committed to enhancing capabilities and deterrence to ensure that there won’t be a need to invoke the treaty.

He added, “We need to assert our rights, but with the paramount concern of ensuring the safety of every member of the armed forces of the Philippines.” Teodoro declined to disclose under what conditions the Philippine government would invoke the treaty, citing it as a “political decision.”

The treaty mandates mutual defense in the event of an attack, including in the South China Sea region, a vital global trade route where China claims sovereignty over nearly the entire South China Sea and continues to escalate its efforts in this long-standing dispute. The International Court of Arbitration ruled in 2016 that China’s claims lack a legal basis, a decision rejected by Chinese authorities.

Scarborough Shoal, strategically located near major shipping lanes, is an important fishing ground utilized by multiple nations. It lies within the Philippines’ Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ), while China asserts sovereignty over it. The area has become a focal point of ongoing disputes between China and the Philippines.

Due to the Philippines’ increased patrols by its coast guard in disputed waters near its EEZ and strengthened alliances with the US and Japan, the Chinese government has deemed these actions as provocative, leading to further escalation of tensions between the two countries.

In late last month’s clashes in the disputed waters, two Philippine ships were damaged by Chinese coast guard vessels using high-pressure water cannons, while in a similar incident in March, at least four crew members were injured.