US NSA condemns China’s collision with PHCG vessels near Sabina Shoal

The U.S. National Security Advisor condemned China's deliberate collision with two Philippine Coast Guard vessels near Sabina Shoal on August 19.

NSA Jake Sullivan spoke with Philippine National Security Adviser Eduardo Año about the recent announcement of $500 million in U.S. military aid to modernize the Philippine Armed Forces and Coast Guard.

Sullivan reaffirmed the United States' commitment to the Mutual Defense Treaty, which extends to armed attacks on Philippine forces anywhere in the South China Sea.

The National Task Force for the West Philippine Sea reported that Chinese ships caused structural damage to Philippine patrol ships BRP Bagacay and BRP Cape Engaño during an encounter near Patag and Lawak Islands.

Beijing's state media claimed that a Philippine vessel deliberately collided with a Chinese ship despite warnings from China, contradicting the Philippines' account of events.

Año emphasized the Philippines' rights in the West Philippine Sea based on international law and thanked the U.S. for its support, while Manila has filed 173 diplomatic protests against China's actions over the past two years.