American forces are prepared to respond to acts of aggression in the disputed South China Sea, according to U.S. Indo-Pacific Command chief Adm. Samuel Paparo. He stated that a “range of options” is available if ordered to take action jointly with the Philippines, after consultations as per their treaty alliance. However, Paparo did not provide specific details about these contingency options.
Paparo’s remarks came in response to a question about how the United States and the Philippines could address Beijing’s “gray-zone tactics” in the disputed waters. These tactics include water cannon fire, blocking and ramming rival ships, which fall below the threshold of an armed attack and do not trigger the mutual defense treaty between the Philippines and the United States.
“We certainly have prepared a range of options and USINDOPACOM stands ready…to execute those shoulder to shoulder with our ally,” said Paparo.
He also emphasized that disclosing these military options would allow potential adversaries to develop countermeasures against them.
Paparo made these comments during a joint news conference with Armed Forces of the Philippines chief Gen. Romero Brawner Jr., following an annual meeting in Baguio City where they discussed security challenges and military plans. The Balikatan exercises, involving over 16,000 American and Filipino forces staged partly in the South China Sea last April, were among those discussed.
When asked about escorting Philippine ships in response to increased hostilities between Beijing and Manila in disputed waters, Paparo reiterated that such actions would be considered after treaty consultations with the Philippines. However, this could potentially lead U.S. Navy ships into direct collisions with Chinese vessels.
Tensions have been escalating between Washington and Beijing due to China’s aggressive actions defending its territorial claims in the South China Sea as well as its goal of annexing Taiwan by force if necessary.
Brawner expressed confidence that Philippine forces can defend themselves in disputed waters but acknowledged that seeking help from allies may become necessary if all other options are exhausted.
The Chinese regime has repeatedly harassed Philippine navy and coast guard ships using powerful water cannons, lasers, blocking movements, and other dangerous maneuvers near two disputed shoals within high seas areas of South China Sea. These incidents have resulted in minor collisions causing injuries among Filipino navy personnel while damaging supply boats.
China has accused the Philippines of initiating hostilities by encroaching on what it claims as its offshore territories demarcated by ten dashes on a map. In contrast, Manila has cited a 2016 international arbitration ruling based on UNCLOS (United Nations Convention on Law of Seas) which invalidated Beijing’s claim over almost all parts of South China Sea based on historical grounds.