The United States has deployed two warships, USS Higgins and USS Cincinnati, to a disputed shoal in the South China Sea after a collision between Chinese ships and a smaller Philippine vessel earlier this week. The deployment raises concerns about maritime safety and the extent of US involvement in the longstanding tensions between China, the Philippines, and other countries claiming overlapping claims in the contested waters.
China and the Philippines have been involved in increasingly tense confrontations over Scarborough Shoal, a rich fishing atoll off the northwestern Philippines. The incident on Monday saw a Chinese navy destroyer and coast guard ship collide while trying to block and drive away a Philippine coast guard vessel. Both countries have blamed each other for the confrontation.
The US deployment is part of its “freedom-of-navigation” patrols in the South China Sea, which aim to challenge China’s restrictions and demands for entry notifications. The move has been met with alarm from Japan, Australia, and New Zealand, who expressed concern over the dangerous maneuvers that led to the collision.
US Ambassador to Manila MaryKay Carlson condemned China’s “latest reckless action” against a Philippine vessel on Tuesday, while Washington is discussing the possible deployment of additional missile launchers to strengthen deterrence in the region. The Philippines is the oldest treaty ally of the US and Washington has vowed to defend it if Filipino forces come under attack.
The incident highlights the need for de-escalation and respect for international law, according to Philippine coast guard Commodore Jay Tarriela. China has blamed Philippine vessels for the confrontation, but video footage shows a Chinese coast guard vessel tailing a Filipino patrol boat before a collision occurred. The Chinese navy ship sustained significant damage in the incident.
The US deployment is seen as a response to the escalating tensions and the need to promote peaceful maritime relations. With more missile launchers being discussed, the situation in the South China Sea remains precarious, with multiple countries claiming overlapping claims and engaging in confrontations over Scarborough Shoal.
Source: https://www.cbsnews.com/news/2-us-warships-deployed-disputed-waters-chinese-ships-collided