US Criticizes China's 'Destabilizing' Actions at Thitu Reef, Backs Manila | Liberty Times (TW) | 01KZHFEHEPBN8W46E7V23FA350

The United States has strongly condemned China's escalating actions at Thitu Reef in the South China Sea, denouncing the establishment of a "national nature reserve" as a destabilizing unilateral attempt that infringes on the rights of Filipino fishermen. A U.S. State Department spokesperson stated that Washington rejects China's persistent efforts to impose this reserve, which restricts Filipino fishermen from accessing traditional fishing grounds recognized by the 2016 arbitral ruling.

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Washington rejects China's persistent efforts to impose a destabilizing national nature reserve at Thitu Reef and deny Filipino fishermen access to traditional fishing grounds.

The spokesperson characterized China's move as another unilateral endeavor, backed by coercion and leveraging questionable environmental and legal pretexts, to advance its extensive territorial and maritime claims at the expense of its neighbors. The U.S. reiterated its solidarity with the Philippines, emphasizing its commitment to a free and open Indo-Pacific region.

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This is another unilateral attempt by China, backed by coercion, using dubious environmental and legal pretexts, to advance its expansive territorial and maritime claims at the expense of its neighbors.

These statements come amid heightened tensions over Thitu Reef, known as Huangyan Island in China and Demchoc Reef in the Philippines. The Philippines' Department of Foreign Affairs recently submitted official charts to the UN Secretary-General, asserting its maritime baselines. In response, China's Southern Theater Command announced joint air and sea drills in the vicinity of the reef. This follows a 2012 standoff that resulted in China's de facto control of the reef, which it has maintained with a continuous naval presence.

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The United States stands with its ally the Philippines and supports a free and open Indo-Pacific.