US State Dept condemns China's dangerous actions vs PH maritime ops

The US State Department condemned China's dangerous and escalatory actions against lawful Philippine maritime operations near Escoda (Sabina) Shoal on August 31.

US State Department spokesperson Matthew Miller stated that China's unlawful territorial claims and aggressive enforcement actions threaten the freedom of navigation and overflight for all nations.

A China Coast Guard vessel deliberately rammed the Philippine Coast Guard ship BRP Teresa Magbanua three times, causing damage to the ship and jeopardizing the crew's safety.

This incident is the fifth maritime confrontation between the Philippines and China in the month of August.

The United States reaffirmed that the 1951 Mutual Defense Treaty covers any attacks on Philippine assets, including its Coast Guard vessels, anywhere in the South China Sea.