The United States condemned China’s actions against Philippine navy personnel at Second Thomas Shoal in the South China Sea on July 20, calling for an immediate end to what it described as destabilizing conduct.
In a statement released on July 20, the United States said, “The United States condemns China’s dangerous and aggressive actions against Philippine navy personnel at Second Thomas Shoal in the South China Sea on July 20, 2026, and calls on China to immediately cease its destabilizing conduct. China’s troubling pattern of provocation against lawful Philippine maritime operations undermines regional peace and stability and directly contradicts China’s repeated commitments to resolve disputes peacefully.”
The statement continued, “We stand with our Ally, the Philippines, and commend the professionalism and restraint shown by Philippine navy personnel in this incident. We reaffirm the July 2016 Arbitral Tribunal ruling, which found that China’s expansive maritime claims in the South China Sea have no basis in international law. That decision is final and legally binding on both China and the Philippines. We will continue to stand with our Allies and partners in defense of a free and open Indo-Pacific.”
Second Thomas Shoal has been a point of tension between Chinese and Philippine forces amid broader disputes over territory in the South China Sea. The United States has previously expressed support for its treaty ally, citing concerns about freedom of navigation.
The U.S. government reiterated its commitment to supporting allies in maintaining regional stability.