China Navy boat (white) holds skirmish maneuver with a small PH rubber in South China Sea | Screenshot PH Navy
NEW YORK — The United States on Monday sharply condemned China’s latest confrontation with Philippine navy personnel at Second Thomas Shoal, calling Beijing’s conduct “dangerous and aggressive” and urging an immediate halt to actions that threaten regional stability. In a press statement, U.S. State Department spokesperson Thomas “Tommy” Pigott said Washington “stands with our Ally, the Philippines,” and commended the “professionalism and restraint” of Filipino sailors during the incident.
Pigott stressed that China’s “troubling pattern of provocation” undermines peace in the South China Sea and contradicts Beijing’s own commitments to resolve disputes peacefully. He reaffirmed the 2016 Arbitral Tribunal ruling, noting it “found that China’s expansive maritime claims in the South China Sea have no basis in international law,” and emphasized that the decision is “final and legally binding.”
Allies in Asia and Europe Back Manila
Several allies across Asia and Europe echoed the U.S. condemnation. A joint statement issued earlier this month by the United States, United Kingdom, Japan, Australia, New Zealand, Canada, Germany, Italy, and other Western and Asian partners reaffirmed that China’s sweeping maritime claims are “illegal” under the 2016 ruling. The group rejected “destabilizing actions” that threaten regional stability.
The European Union also released a separate statement calling the arbitration ruling a “landmark decision in the peaceful settlement of disputes.” The EU reiterated that China’s claims based on “historic rights” have no legal basis, aligning with the U.S.-led coalition’s position.
China, however, dismissed the ruling as “null and void,” insisting it “neither accepts nor recognizes it.”
Philippine Officials Welcome U.S. Support
Philippine officials have consistently condemned China’s coercive actions in the South China Sea. During the 12th Bilateral Strategic Dialogue in Manila earlier this year, Philippine and U.S. officials jointly denounced China’s “illegal, coercive, aggressive, and deceptive activities.”
Manila reaffirmed its commitment to the Mutual Defense Treaty, emphasizing that any armed attack on Philippine forces—including coast guard vessels—would trigger U.S. obligations under the pact. Officials also highlighted the adverse effects of China’s actions on regional peace and the Philippine economy.
The Philippines has welcomed increased multilateral cooperation with partners such as Australia and Japan, as well as expanded U.S. deployments of missile and unmanned systems to bolster deterrence.
Why China Escalated Its Actions
China’s latest confrontation appears rooted in its longstanding rejection of the 2016 arbitration ruling and its continued assertion of control over nearly the entire South China Sea. Beijing has repeatedly defended its expansive claims despite international legal findings to the contrary.
The Second Thomas Shoal—where the incident occurred—has been a flashpoint for years. China has used water cannons, dangerous maneuvers, and other coercive tactics to block Philippine resupply missions to the BRP Sierra Madre, a grounded vessel that serves as Manila’s outpost.
Analysts say China’s latest actions may be aimed at testing the resolve of the Philippines and its allies, especially as Manila strengthens defense ties with the U.S. and other partners. The U.S. statement’s strong language underscores Washington’s intent to deter further escalation and maintain a “free and open Indo-Pacific.”
