Off Scarborough Reef on December 9 and again near Second Thomas Shoal on December 10, People's Republic of China (PRC) vessels used water cannons and reckless maneuvers, including forcing a collision, causing damage to Philippine vessels official supply missions to these locations jeopardized the safety of the Filipino crew. The PRC vessels at Scarborough Reef also used acoustic devices, incapacitating Filipino crew members, and drove away Filipino fishing vessels. By obstructing the safe operation of Philippine vessels transporting provisions to Filipino military personnel stationed at Second Thomas Shoal, the People's Republic of China interfered with legitimate Philippine naval operations and with the exercise of freedom of navigation on the high seas by Philippine vessels. Obstructing supply lines to this longstanding outpost and interfering with legitimate naval operations in the Philippines undermines regional stability.
These actions reflect not only reckless disregard for the safety and livelihood of Filipinos, but also international law. According to a legally binding international tribunal ruling in July 2016, the People's Republic of China has no legitimate maritime claims to the waters around Second Thomas Shoal, and Filipinos are entitled to traditional fishing rights around Scarborough Reef. Pursuant to the 1982 Convention on the Law of the Sea, the 2016 arbitration decision is final and legally binding on the People's Republic of China and the Philippines, and the United States calls on the People's Republic of China to abide by the decision and to refrain from its dangerous and destabilizing conduct.
The United States stands with our Filipino allies in the face of these dangerous and unlawful actions. We affirm that Article IV of the 1951 U.S.-Philippines Mutual Defense Treaty extends to armed attacks against Philippine forces, public vessels, or aircraft – including those of the Coast Guard – anywhere in the South China Sea