Swedish Defence Minister Pål Jonson expressed concern over provocative actions against Philippine vessels in the South China Sea, according to AP News.
Jonson stated that such manoeuvres jeopardised security, undermined stability and underscored the need to invest “for our security and freedom.” He spoke on Thursday, 7 June, at a diplomatic reception in Manila to mark Sweden’s national day. Earlier, Jonson met with his Philippine counterpart Gilberto Teodoro Jr. on expanding defence relations.
Sweden is one of the possible suppliers of supersonic fighter jets that the Philippines plans to acquire. Meanwhile, the Asian country shifted its focus from decades of fighting communist and Muslim insurgents to territorial defence amid growing tensions in the South China Sea.
Let me express my deep concern on the repeated dangerous maneuvers against Philippines vessels that have been taking place in the West Philippine Sea and the South China Sea.
The confrontation between Chinese and Philippine government ships over two disputed shoals has escalated since last year, leading to confrontations. China’s use of water cannons damaged Philippine vessels, injured several Philippine naval personnel and strained diplomatic relations.
Manila also filed diplomatic protests and made public China’s actions against the Philippine Coast Guard and Philippine vessels, seeking international support.
These acts put human lives at risk, they undermine regional stability and international law and they threaten the security in the region and beyond. These are not only threats to your national security but threats to our common global security.
In addition to the Philippines, Sweden was also strengthening defence ties with the United States, Japan, and Australia, Jonson stated. He cited his country’s decision in March to join the NATO alliance and abandon a long policy of neutrality over the war in Ukraine.
Sweden strongly supported the call by the European Union and other governments for restraint and full respect for international law in the South China Sea, he said. The UN Charter, the UN Convention on the Law of the Sea, and other such international rules aimed at protecting civilians at sea “should be respected at all times,” he added.
