Nordic support for the Philippines in South China Sea dispute

The Chinese coast guard fired in early August water cannons at Philippine Coast Guard vessels escorting ships carrying supplies to a shoal in the disputed Spratly Islands, where the Philippine military is stationed.

“The Philippine Coast Guard strongly condemns the Chinese Coast Guard’s dangerous maneuvers and illegal use of water cannons,” said a statement from The Philippines. China, on the other hand, stated that they had only taken “necessary measures” claiming the Philippine vessels were transporting illegal construction materials.

The Royal Danish Embassy in Manila quickly expressed concerns over the act and deemed the actions of the Chinese Coast Guard’s for unsafe. The Danish statement said that the use of a water cannon to obstruct a Philippine supply boat possesses the potential to escalate tensions. It also accused the action of undermining the foundation of international law and maritime se - curity.

“All actions that contribute to militarization and disputes represent a threat to regional peace and security. Denmark firmly reaffirms its unwavering commitment to the peaceful resolution of disputes and the upholding of international law. This includes the 2016 arbitral decision on the South China Sea. This decision, under the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS), must be respected,” The embassy stated.

Shortly after, the Swedish Embassy expressed its support for the Philippines as well, stating that Sweden stands with the Philippines amid the latter’s territorial row with China in the South China Sea. Sweden’s expression of support came during a courtesy call between the Swedish Ambassador to the Philippines, Annika Thunborg, and Defense Secretary Gilberto Teodoro Jr.

“Exchanging regional security situation updates, Ambassador

Thunborg noted the developments in the South China Sea and conveyed Sweden’s support for the Philippines’ position,” DND spokesperson Arsenio Andolong said.

The Chinese Foreign Minister, Wang Yi, later urged the Philippines to work with China on a way to resolve tensions in the South China Sea. The official Xinhua news agency said.

The Philippines intentionally grounded the warship Sierra Madre in 1999. In 2016 they won an international arbitration award against China’s claim over almost all of the South China Sea. This was after a court ruled Beijing’s comprehensive claim had no legal basis.

China, which does not recognize the ruling, has built man-made islands in the South China Sea. Its claim of historic sovereignty overlaps with the claims of the Philippines, Vietnam, Malaysia, Brunei and Indonesia.