The US expresses its concern about China’s position on the maneuvers of the Philippine Coast Guard

July 6 (EUROPA PRESS) –

US Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin expressed concern Thursday over China’s alleged “coercive and risky” behavior in connection with the presence of Philippine Coast Guard vessels in the South China Sea.

This has been transferred to his Philippine counterpart, Gilberto Teodoro Jr., with whom he has had a telephone conversation in which he has indicated that Philippine ships operate “safely and legally” in the area, according to a Pentagon statement.

During the call, both have reiterated their commitment to “continue upholding order” in accordance with internationally established norms and have reaffirmed their support for the Filipino communities in the South China Sea.

Pentagon spokesman Patrick Ryder has also indicated that the two senior officials have agreed to meet in person to discuss defense and security issues.

The conversation comes shortly after Beijing rejected allegations by Manila that Chinese ships have been operating in a “dangerous” manner to prevent their ships from reaching a disputed area of ​​the South China Sea.

Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman Wang Wenbin said at a press conference that the Philippine ships entered waters for which they should have lost “permission.” Therefore, and for the sake of “territorial sovereignty and maritime order”, his ships were mobilized in a “professional” manner, Wang said.

The case dates back to June 30, when Chinese ships approached two Philippine vessels that were participating in an operation by the Armed Forces. These patrols were “followed, harassed and hampered” by “considerably larger” vessels, in what the Philippine Coast Guard has described as “aggressive actions”.