Philippines warns China's tow of sunken warship would be act of war

Defense Secretary Gilberto Teodoro declared that a forced removal of the sunken warship BRP Sierra Madre by China would amount to an act of war against the Philippines, distinguishing it from a formal state of war that requires presidential and congressional approval. The vessel, deliberately grounded in 1999 at Ayungin Shoal in the West Philippine Sea, serves as a Philippine outpost. Teodoro warned that any hostile action toward the ship would be taken seriously and could trigger the Philippines to invoke its Mutual Defense Treaty with the United States, though such a decision rests with the President.

His comments came after Chinese ambassador Jing Quan said China could easily win if it used force in the disputed waters, leading Filipino officials to demand his expulsion. Teodoro emphasized that Chinese threats have become more overt and that the Philippines must strengthen its economy and defenses. The dispute persists despite a 2016 Permanent Court of Arbitration ruling favoring the Philippines, which China continues to ignore.