Blinken, Manalo discuss Chinese 'escalatory actions'

US Secretary of State Antony Blinken held a call yesterday with Foreign Affairs Secretary Enrique Manalo to discuss China's "escalatory" actions to stop the delivery of food and supplies to a Philippine military outpost on BRP Sierra Madre in Ayungin Shoal early this week.

- PIA LEE-BRAGO

In a statement, State Department spokesman Matthew Miller said Blinken's discussion with Manalo "followed the PRC (People's Republic of China)'s dangerous and irresponsible actions to deny the Philippines from executing a lawful maritime operation in the South China Sea on June 17."

He was referring to the Chinese coast guard personnel's use of bladed weapons and hammers to force their way onto Philippine boats to stop them from reaching the Sierra Madre. Several Filipinos were injured in the ensuing scuffle, with one soldier losing a finger.

"Secretary Blinken emphasized that the PRC's actions undermine regional peace and stability and underscored the United States' ironclad commitments to the Philippines under our Mutual Defense Treaty," Miller said.

He said the two officials also exchanged views on how to build on the momentum from recent high-level bilateral engagements on issues of mutual concern.

China's use of violence against Filipinos in Ayungin Shoal last June 17 sparked condemnation from the international community.