The United States has condemned China’s latest act of aggression, involving a deliberate collision by a Chinese Coast Guard vessel with the Philippine ship BRP Teresa Magbanua near Escoda Shoal on Saturday.
US State Department spokesperson Matthew Miller urged China to adhere to international law and cease its dangerous actions in the waters surrounding Sabina Shoal.
He emphasized that China’s territorial claims are unfounded, as the country has no legal grounds for its assertions in the region.
Miller further accused China of using aggressive tactics to intimidate other nations, particularly by threatening the Philippines’ freedom of navigation.
On Sunday, the United States reaffirmed its commitment to the Mutual Defense Treaty with the Philippines, signaling Washington’s support in the event of any attack by China, whether on passenger ships, aircraft, or Coast Guard vessels.
This incident comes amid ongoing tensions, as Beijing continues to assert its claims over the West Philippine Sea, despite an international court ruling that these claims lack legal basis.