The People’s Republic of China’s latest atrocity against Philippines public vessels, particularly the cannon attack, is a “criminal activity“ in the country’s sovereign waters, alleges a US defense expert.

Retired US Navy Capt. Carl Schuster, decried China’s August 5, 2023, water cannon attack on small Philippine Coast Guard vessels on the way to Ayungin Shoal for resupply mission, as “another display of its willful disregard for the health and safety of coast guardsmen and a blatant violation of international law.“

The Philippines Coast Guard strongly condemned the “China Coast Guard’s (CCG’s) dangerous maneuvers and illegal use of water cannons against the PCG vessels.”

The National Youth Movement for the West Philippine Sea (NYMWPS) likewise strongly condemned China’s intensifying illegal and brazen aggressive activities in Philippine sovereign territory.

Schuster believes the latest major provocation by China is yet another “test of what the Philippines is willing to do and how it will respond to this attack.”

Schuster said Chinese President Xi Jinping is currently facing multiple challenges.

China’s recent string of controversies has resulted in several economic and political setbacks that are forcing President Xi to act “strong” in hopes of intimidating not just the international community but even Communist Party members who may be displeased with Xi’s regime.

Schuster stressed that condemnation is a good move as it sends a strong message.

“But without a strong backing, it is not enough against “totalitarian leaders like Xi to back off,” he added

Capt. Schuster also said “dialogue without results are useless,” and therefore, recommended the Philippines to make the first move in establishing regular consultations with its allies- particularly the United States.

“Regular consultations not only serve as a good first step in deterring Chinese aggression, they also shape future bilateral actions between the Philippines and its allies. The U.S. must make China’s actions a condition for dialogue,” he explained.

Capt. Schuster also proposed that the Philippines consider constructing an airfield on Palawan and establishing a military presence nearby to serve as further deterrence.

When asked on whether he thinks the Philippines should sponsor a resolution im the United Nations General Assembly- the defense expert agreed because “this will reinforce the 2016 Arbitral Award.”

He said that such a resolution would hurt China’s reputation and humiliate it before the international community which can hurt its economy and trade.

Capt. Schuster encouraged the Philippines to expand its horizons toward becoming less dependent on China, economically.

“The Philippine has an appeal in the U.S., India, and parts of Africa, and South America. The Philippines also has a strong asset in its Information Technology Industry and its strong English speaking population- this is a strength to encourage more investment to divert from China to the Philippines.”

Capt. Schuster made an important message in saying that the Philippines is not alone.

He believes the country must show a united front with its allies to check escalating Chinese aggression.

While he made it clear that there are no risk-free decisions, he pushed for greater diplomatic collaboration between the Philippines and its allies, as well as strengthening the country’s economic advantages to become more independent and capable in standing up to China.

He also encouraged the Philippine Navy to invest into submarines and drones to patrol the West Philippine Sea.

Capt. Schuster ended with this to say;

“Youth engagement is a big part of defending your sovereignty. The youth puts out invigoration and new ideas into solving the issues in the West Philippine Sea.”

Photo: National Youth Movement for the West Philippine Sea FB