The United States reiterated that it would defend its treaty ally if Philippine forces were attacked in the disputed South China Sea.
The announcement came after the Philippines accused a Chinese coast guard vessel of bombarding a patrol vessel with a combat laser, which briefly blinded some of the crew.
“Dangerous operational behavior [Китая] directly threatens regional peace and stability, violates the freedom of navigation in the South China Sea guaranteed by international law, and undermines the rules-based international order,” the State Department spokesperson said. Ned Price.
“The United States supports our Filipino allies,” Price said in a statement.
President Ferdinand Marcos Jr summoned the Chinese ambassador to express his grave concern.
China claims nearly all of the South China Sea’s aquatic area, which could lead it to collide with other claimants.
The Chinese military has previously been accused of using lasers against Australian military aircraft patrolling the South China Sea.
