US, Philippines share concerns on China’s rule in South China Sea, AFP says

📷: AFP Chief Romeo Brawner Jr. answers questions from the Philippine media delegation on Friday, 31 May.

SINGAPORE – China’s new threat of detaining fishermen in South China Sea waters has caused concern among “like-minded nations,” Armed Forces of the Philippines said on Friday.

In a sideline interview at the Shangri-La Dialogue, AFP chief Romeo Brawner Jr. told the reporters it had been a topic of discussion during President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s meeting with US Indo-Pacific Command chief Admiral Samuel Paparo.

“It was mentioned by other countries,” he noted, highlighting a “show of concern among like-minded nations.”

Brawner did not disclose which specific countries had brought up the issue, but did reveal that he had met with representatives from Asian nations. While declining to name all the countries he had interacted with, he confirmed that discussions with the US “went very well.”

“Both our countries expressed our commitment to the alliance,” Brawner said, emphasizing that the US-Philippines partnership “is becoming even stronger.”

On the topic of the new Chinese rule and its impact on activities in the South China Sea (SCS), Brawner was tight-lipped.

He confirmed that the issue had been raised during his discussions with the US, but would not say which side initiated the conversation. “Both our countries are concerned about it,” he said.

Brawner also addressed the deployment of large Chinese vessels in the SCS, expressing concern about their impact on freedom of navigation and overflight in the region.

To recall, the China Coast Guard’s vessel 5901, dubbed “The Monster” and recognized as the largest coast guard ship globally, performed a “short intrusive patrol” near Scarborough Shoal.

“We are continuously monitoring the deployment especially of the bigger ships,” he said.

Marcos earlier said that Beijing is just escalating tensions in the South China Sea through its new rule, calling its new policy “very worrisome.”

However, Chinese Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Mao Ning said that the Philippines should not be concerned about China’s recent regulations in the South China Sea as long as no “illegal” actions are undertaken. (TCSP)