US State Department Criticizes China's Coercive Efforts to Enforce Maritime Claims Amid Rising Tensions at Scarborough Shoal

▲ US State Department Statement

The US State Department has criticized China for creating instability and attempting to coerce its maritime claims in the South China Sea at Scarborough Shoal (known as Huangyan Island in China and Bajo de Masinloc in the Philippines).

On the 8th (local time), the State Department issued a statement titled "China's Administrative Measures at Scarborough Shoal" under the name of State Department Spokesperson Tommy Pigott.

In the statement, the State Department said, "We oppose China's measures that create instability at Scarborough Shoal through the enforcement of a 'nature reserve' and block Filipino fishermen from accessing their traditional fishing grounds."

The State Department condemned it as "another unilateral attempt to use dubious environmental and legal pretexts to coerce and advance maritime claims in the South China Sea at the expense of neighboring countries."

It added, "The United States stands with our ally the Philippines in support of a free and open Indo-Pacific."

Recently, China has been stepping up its offensive posture against the Philippines around Scarborough Shoal.

China established the "Management Measures for the Huangyan Island National Nature Reserve," enabling its coast guard and other forces to conduct regular patrols around Scarborough Shoal.

The Chinese military also conducted joint naval and air drills near the shoal.

Last month, the Chinese coast guard repeatedly attacked Philippine vessels with water cannons in waters near Scarborough Shoal.

Meanwhile, US Under Secretary of Defense for Policy Elbridge Colby and Deputy Assistant Secretary of Defense for Indo-Pacific Security Affairs John Noh have been visiting the Philippines, Indonesia, Thailand, and Cambodia starting from the 7th, according to the US Department of Defense.

They plan to hold high-level talks with their counterparts in each country.

The US Department of Defense stated, "This trip reaffirms the Department's commitment to building sustainable peace through strength in the region."

(Photo: Capture from US State Department website, Yonhap News)

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