The United States Embassy and the European Union have expressed concern over the harassment by the Chinese Coast Guard against a Philippine vessel near Escoda Shoal in the West Philippine Sea.
US Ambassador MaryKay Carlson condemned the illegal, dangerous, and aggressive actions of the People’s Republic of China, stating that they disrupt the mission of the Philippines and endanger the lives of Filipino personnel.
She reaffirmed continued support for the Philippines.
Meanwhile, European Union Ambassador Luc Véron voiced alarm over China’s actions in blocking the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) from delivering supplies to Filipino fishermen at Escoda Shoal.
Previously, the China Coast Guard collided with and used water cannons against the BRP Datu Sanday, a BFAR vessel, near Escoda Shoal.
In a statement, the CCG claimed that the BRP Datu Sanday had “illegally intruded” into Chinese territory and approached their vessels in a “dangerous manner.”