Admiral John Aquilino, the commander of the US Indo-Pacific Command, expressed concern about China’s actions in the South China Sea during a speech to the Lowy Institute think tank in Sydney. He stated that China’s attempts to gain territory by force, particularly against the Philippines, are dangerous, illegal and destabilizing the region.
Aquilino highlighted incidents at Second Thomas Shoal where clashes between Chinese Coast Guard and a fishing vessel resulted in injury to sailors, leading to fears of escalation at sea. The admiral raised questions about China’s intentions and emphasized that similar actions are observed in other areas such as Japan and Malaysia.
He emphasized that China’s actions are not isolated incidents but part of a broader attempt to unilaterally gain land by force. China claims almost the entire South China Sea as its territory and justifies its actions as a response to encroachment by other countries.
Naval skirmishes between the Philippines and China, including the use of water cannons and verbal clashes, have heightened tensions in the region. Aquilino warned about the potential for further escalation and destabilization if such actions continue. He called for attention to be placed on China’s behavior in the region and its implications for regional stability.
