(UPDATES) The United States renewed a warning Tuesday that it was obligated to defend its close treaty ally a day after Filipino navy personnel were injured and their supply boats damaged in one of the most serious confrontations between the Philippines and China in a disputed shoal in the South China Sea, officials said.
China and the Philippines blamed each other for instigating Monday's hostilities in the Second Thomas Shoal, which has been occupied by a small Filipino navy contingent aboard a grounded warship that's been closely watched by Chinese coast guard, navy and suspected militia ships in a yearslong territorial standoff. There is fear the disputes, long regarded as an Asian flashpoint, could escalate and pit the United States and China in a larger conflict.
This photo taken on March 5, 2024 shows journalists filming as a China Coast Guard vessel (R) sails in front of the BRP Sindangan during a supply mission to Second Thomas Shoal in the disputed South China Sea. The Philippine government accused Chinese ships of ramming and damaging its boats in the South China Sea during a confrontation in waters off the Second Thomas Shoal, home to a garrison of Filipino troops. JAM STA ROSA / AFP
Already have an active account? Log in here to continue
reading.
Or Subscribe
to the Premium
Subscription plan to access this subscriber-exclusive article.