Tensions between China, Philippines ahead of Kamala Harris’s visit to island near South China Sea

Rocket debris floating in the disputed South China Sea became a flashpoint between China and Philippines, ahead of US Vice President Kamala Harris’s visit to an island province at the edge of the disputed sea to amplify America’s support to its treaty ally.

Tensions erupted when the Philippine Navy alleged a Chinese coast guard vessel had forcibly seized Chinese rocket debris as Filipino sailors were towing it to their Pag-asa island.

In a statement on Monday, the Philippines Navy said that the Chinese coast guard had “forcefully retrieved” floating debris off the waters.

Meanwhile, China confirmed that its maritime police ships found an “unknown floating object” in the disputed waters but denied having a confrontation with Filipino sailors. China said the debris was handed over by Philippine forces after a “friendly consultation”, AP reported.

Chinese coast guard ships have blocked Philippine supply boats delivering supplies to Filipino forces in the disputed waters in the past but have never seized objects in the possession of another nation’s military.

Kamala Harris, whose Taiwan visit recently triggered tensions between China and the island, is flying to western Philippines island province to underline US interest in freedom of navigation in the disputed waters.

1951 Mutual Defense Treaty

In 1951, the US and the Philippines signed a treaty where both nations committed to support each other if an external party attacks the Philippines or the United States. Vice President Kamala Harris on Monday reaffirmed the US’s commitment to defend the Philippines under the 1951 Mutual Defense Treaty.

“An armed attack on the Philippines armed forces, public vessels, or aircraft in the South China Sea would invoke US Mutual Defense commitments,” Kamala Harris told President Ferdinand Marcos Jr, AP reported.

The Philippine coast guard said it would welcome Harris on board one of its biggest patrol ships, the BRP Teresa Magbanua, at a seaport in Puerto Princesa, where she is scheduled to deliver a speech to underscore the importance of international law, freedom of navigation and unimpeded commerce in the South China Sea.

She would announce an additional aid of $7.5 million to Philippine maritime law enforcement agencies to boost their capacity to counter illegal fishing, carry out sea surveillance and help in search and rescue efforts, including in the South China Sea.