The United States has expressed its support for the Philippines following recent maritime incidents in the South China Sea. On August 19, Principal Deputy Spokesperson Vedant Patel issued a statement condemning actions by the People’s Republic of China (PRC) against Philippine maritime operations.
According to Patel, PRC ships engaged in "reckless maneuvers," deliberately colliding with two Philippine Coast Guard vessels. These actions resulted in structural damage and posed a threat to the safety of the crew on board.
Patel described these incidents as part of a broader pattern of "dangerous and escalatory measures" by the PRC to enforce its expansive maritime claims in the South China Sea, which are deemed unlawful by international standards. The United States has called on the PRC to adhere to international law and cease such destabilizing activities.
Furthermore, Patel reaffirmed that Article IV of the 1951 U.S.-Philippines Mutual Defense Treaty applies to armed attacks on Philippine armed forces, public vessels, or aircraft, including those operated by its Coast Guard, within the South China Sea.
