The United States has condemned China’s recent aggression in the West Philippine Sea and has pledged to stand by its defense commitments with Manila. The Philippines reported that the Chinese Coast Guard blocked and damaged a Filipino supply boat with water cannons on its way to Ayungin Shoal, causing injuries to personnel onboard.
In a statement, a US State Department spokesperson expressed solidarity with the Philippines and denounced the actions of the People’s Republic of China against lawful Philippine maritime operations. The spokesperson highlighted the repeated obstruction of Philippine vessels by China in the South China Sea.
The incident occurred shortly after US Secretary of State Antony Blinken reaffirmed the country’s commitment to defend its ally against armed attacks in the region during his visit to Manila. The US State Department reiterated that the Mutual Defense Treaty extends to armed attacks on Philippine armed forces, public vessels, or aircraft, including those of its Coast Guard.
The State Department called on Beijing to respect the 2016 arbitral ruling that rejected its expansive maritime claims. Despite China’s refusal to recognize the tribunal’s decision, the National Task Force for the West Philippine Sea emphasized that the government will continue to assert its legal rights over its maritime zones.
