MANILA, Philippines: Sweden’s defence chief has expressed alarm over Beijing’s repeated dangerous manoeuvres against Philippine vessels in the South China Sea, saying such actions threaten security, undermine stability and underscore the need to invest 'for our security and freedom".
Philippine flag flutters on BRP Sierra Madre, a dilapidated Philippine Navy ship that has been aground since 1999, on the disputed Second Thomas Shoal, part of the Spratly Islands, in the South China Sea, on Mar 29, 2014.
Jonson used the name the Philippines has adopted for the stretch of waters called the exclusive economic zone extending from its western coast to the South China Sea, which Beijing claims virtually in its entirety and guarded closely with its coast guard, navy and other ships. “Despite informing the Chinese coast guard via radio and public address system about the humanitarian nature of our mission for medical evacuation, they still engaged in dangerous manoeuvres and even intentionally rammed the Philippine navy boat while transporting the sick personnel, the Philippine coast guard said. Despite the dangerous blockings, the Philippine coast guard said the medical evacuation was carried out successfully.
Aside from the Philippines, Sweden have been strengthening defence ties with the United States, Japan and Australia, Jonson said, citing his country’s decision in March to join the NATO alliance, turning away from a long policy of neutrality after Russia’s invasion of Ukraine in 2022.
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