Severe Warning China send it State Department in connection with the incident on February 6 in the South China Sea, when the Chinese coast guard allegedly used laser devices against the crew of a Philippine coast guard vessel. The U.S. Department of State’s statement refers to the act that resulted in temporary blindness of the crew members, and notes that this is provocative and unsafe behavior, which is a flagrant violation of international law.

Despite, USA didn’t sign Convention on the Law of the SeaThe State Department clearly emphasizes the importance of customary international maritime law in securing an international rules-based order. It is recalled that the Greek side, in its contacts with the State Department, did not fail to emphasize the similarity of the Eastern Mediterranean and the South China Sea from the point of view of international maritime law.

In particular, in connection with the incident with the Philippine Coast Guard, the US State Department urged China to respect the final and irrevocable decision by the International Court of Justice in 2016 recognized the maritime jurisdiction of the Philippines in the area disputed by Beijing.

As noted in the ad, “dangerous business conduct demonstrated by People’s Republic of China it directly threatens regional peace and stability, violates the freedom of navigation in the South China Sea guaranteed by international law, and undermines the rules-based international order. As reflected in a legally binding judgment of the International Court of Justice issued in July 2016, the People’s Republic of China has no legal maritime claims over (the area of) Second Thomas Bank. The United States reiterates under the 1982 Law of the Sea Convention that the 2016 award is final and legally binding on the People’s Republic of China and the Philippines, and calls on the People’s Republic of China to honor the award.”

Given the uncontested nature of the area due to the International Court of Justice decision, Washington is reminding Beijing that any action against the Philippines in this maritime zone could result in obligations under the 1951 US-Philippines Mutual Defense Treaty.

“The United States, along with its Filipino allies, supports the rules-based international maritime order and reaffirms that an armed attack on Philippine military forces, ships, or aircraft, including the Coast Guard, in the South China Sea will activate the obligations arising from 1951 United States-Philippines Mutual Defense Treaty.

Source: RES-IPE