US backs PH protest over Chinese vessels in West Philippine Sea

The US stands with the Philippines in protesting China's deployment of over 200 vessels near Whitsun Reef in the South China Sea.

The Philippines has demanded an immediate withdrawal of Chinese vessels it claims are infringing upon its sovereignty and jurisdiction within its exclusive economic zone.

US officials have urged China to stop using its maritime militia to intimidate other nations, while the Chinese Embassy in Manila stated that the US is not a party to the South China Sea issue and that bilateral channels should be used to resolve disputes between China and the Philippines.