US condemns China's dangerous actions vs PH in West PH Sea

The United States has condemned the actions of Chinese forces against the Philippines in the West Philippine Sea, calling them dangerous and a disregard for international law.

On March 23, Chinese ships used water cannons and blocking maneuvers against Philippine resupply vessels near the Second Thomas Shoal, causing injuries to Filipino service members and damaging a resupply boat.

These actions by China prevent necessary provisions and personnel rotations for Filipino service members stationed at the Second Thomas Shoal.

The US Department of State stated that China's actions are destabilizing to the region and violate international law, referencing the 2016 arbitral ruling which declared China has no lawful maritime claims to the area.

The US reaffirmed that the Mutual Defense Treaty between the US and the Philippines covers armed attacks on Philippine armed forces, public vessels, or aircraft in the South China Sea.

Japan also expressed grave concern over the repeated dangerous actions by China Coast Guard vessels.