It would be an “act of war” if China were to remove the BRP Sierra Madre at the Ayungin Shoal in the West Philippine Sea, Defense Secretary Gilberto Teodoro Jr. said in an interview with a US news show.
“If China were to take the Sierra Madre that is a clear act of war on the Philippine vessel. We will react naturally,” Teodoro told CBS’ “60 Minutes.”
He added that he expected the United States to aid the Philippines against China’s harassment since there were people in the warship.
“That is an outpost of Philippine sovereignty so we’re not only talking about a rusty old vessel solely. We are talking about a piece of Philippine territory in there,” Teodoro said.
The BRP Sierra Madre has been aground at the Ayungin Shoal since 1999. It has been a symbol of Philippine sovereignty in the offshore territory.
READ: EXPLAINER: What is the Ayungin Shoal and why is it important?
In the same episode, Armed Forces of the Philipines chief General Romeo Brawner Jr. said it was the first time the Philippine authorities encountered Chinese Coast Guard members using blades and spears during the June encounter in Ayungin Shoal.
The incident caused a Philippine Navy serviceman to lose his thumb.
“I warned our personnel if this happens again, you have the right to defend yourselves,” Brawner said.
Brawner confirmed that if China were to fire against the Philippines and the Philippines fired back, it could start a war.
Philippine Navy spokesperson for the West Philippine Sea Commodore Roy Trinidad earlier said that the Philippines has the right to maintain BRP Sierra Madre at the Ayungin Shoal, despite China’s demand for its removal.https://www.gmanetwork.com/news/topstories/nation/909511/ph-navy-official-we-have-right-to-maintain-brp-sierra-madre-on-ayungin-shoal/story/
China also raised alarm over the Mid-Range Capability Missile System that the Philippines would receive from the US, saying that it incites geopolitical confrontation.
“It is not their business. It is for the Philippine defense. What happens in our territory is for our defense. We follow international law,” Teodoro said.
He added that he can neither confirm nor deny that the Philippines is planning to acquire missiles capable of reaching China.
“I really don’t know the end state. All I know is that we cannot let them get away with what they’re doing,” Teodoro said. —Celine Serquiña/NB, GMA Integrated News
