U.S. Renews a Warning That It Will Defend the Philippines After Chinese Ships Collided With Vessels

The United States on Monday renewed a warning that it will defend the Philippines against any armed attacks after the island nation accused Chinese coastguard ships of “intentionally” hitting its vessels in the South China Sea over the weekend.

The Sunday incident took place while Philippines ships were headed to a small outpost on the Second Thomas Shoal on a resupply mission in a disputed part of the sea.

“Chinese Coast Guard and maritime militia vessels, in blatant violation of international law, harassed and intentionally hit” Manila’s supply boat and coastguard ship, Philippines Defense Secretary Gilberto Teodoro said at a news conference Monday, as reported by Reuters.

Read the source article at The Hill