US Navy Vice Admiral and Seventh Fleet Commander Carl Thomas said he would definitely fight back against the People’s Republic of China’s “aggressive behaviour”.
The comments come three weeks after the Chinese Coast Guard used water cannons against Philippine vessels. The vessels in question were attempting to resupply a warship that stands on a disputed shoal in the South China Sea in 1999.
“My forces are here for a reason,” Thomas declared. The politician, however, cited “common challenges” faced by America and its allies in the Philippines.
Chinese officials reacted to the US vice admiral’s comment. They warned that the Philippines’ decision to work closely with America would tie the country to the “chariot of geopolitical struggle.” In Beijing’s view, such a thing would become a threat to its national security.