Ramming Incident in West Philippine Sea May Get Worse Says Pentagon
WEST PHILIPPINE SEA – Pentagon said the ramming incident in the West Philippine Sea could escalate.
The United States Department of Defense labeled China’s actions in the recent WPS ramming as “provocative,” cautioning that it could lead to “more violence.”
Pentagon Press Secretary Maj. Gen. Pat Ryder condemned China for the recent ramming incident in the WPS, which resulted in injuries to eight Filipino servicemen, one of whom reportedly lost their thumb.
“This kind of behavior is provocative, it’s reckless, it’s unnecessary, and as you highlight, it could lead to something bigger and more violent,” said Ryder in a press briefing Tuesday (US time).
“We condemn the escalatory and irresponsible actions by the PRC (People’s Republic of China) to deny the Philippines from executing a lawful maritime operation in the South China Sea,” he added.
Ryder reaffirmed that the United States will maintain its support for the Philippines.
“We are going to continue to stand with our Philippine allies.
According to the report, the Philippine government has not yet provided additional information about the latest ramming incident, especially regarding how the situation led to a serviceman losing his finger.
Defense Secretary Gilberto Teodoro Jr. stated only that the Armed Forces of the Philippines will oppose such tactics.
“China’s dangerous and reckless behavior in the West Philippine Sea shall be resisted by the AFP,” he said in a previous statement.