During the ASEAN Foreign Ministers’ Meeting and the 33rd ASEAN Regional Forum Ministerial in Manila last week, both the United States and the European Union reaffirmed and strengthened their relations with the Philippines as China continued its increasingly belligerent activities in the maritime territory of the Philippines.
Chinese Coast Guard personnel confronted Philippine Navy personnel near Second Thomas Shoal, also known in the Philippines as Ayungin Shoal. Two Filipino servicemen were injured, including one who was struck on the head with a wooden baton. They were subsequently evacuated by vessels belonging to the Philippine Coast Guard, not by a US naval vessel.
China also used water cannons against Philippine government fisheries vessels near Scarborough Shoal while the ASEAN meetings were taking place.
US Secretary of State Marco Rubio described China’s actions as “disturbing” and reaffirmed Washington’s defence commitments to the Philippines. Secretary Rubio said that the United States wanted the most positive relationship possible with China but would not pursue it at the expense of its allies or its presence in the region.
Meanwhile, EU High Representative Kaja Kallas and Philippine Foreign Secretary Ma. Theresa P. Lazaro signed a joint statement elevating EU–Philippines relations to an Enhanced Partnership. The agreement provides for more regular high-level dialogue and closer cooperation on foreign policy, security, trade, climate action, digital development and connectivity.
The EU also announced a proposed €15 million European Peace Facility assistance measure for the Philippine Armed Forces. The support is intended to strengthen the country’s maritime-surveillance and monitoring capabilities through non-lethal equipment. High Representative Kallas also said that negotiations on an EU–Philippines free-trade agreement were entering their final stages, although the Enhanced Partnership itself is not a free-trade agreement.
Featured image of EU High Representative Kaja Kallas with the Philippines National Defense Secretary Gilberto C. Teodoro, Jr..
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