The United States has strongly condemned a recent incident near Sabina Shoal in the South China Sea, where Philippine naval vessels were harassed by Chinese ships. The US reiterated its commitment to its defense treaty with Manila, pledging to support the Philippines in the face of aggression in the disputed waters.
The incident, which occurred on Wednesday, saw Chinese vessels blockading a Philippine supply ship en route to Ayungin Shoal, a Philippine-occupied feature in the Spratly Islands. The Chinese ships reportedly attempted to block the path of the Philippine vessel, preventing it from delivering supplies to Filipino troops stationed on the shoal.
In response to the incident, the US State Department released a statement expressing concern over China’s actions and reaffirming America’s commitment to its mutual defense treaty with the Philippines. The treaty, signed in 1951, obligates the US to come to the aid of the Philippines in the event of an attack.
The US also emphasized the importance of freedom of navigation in the South China Sea, a crucial waterway through which billions of dollars of trade pass each year. The region is hotly contested, with multiple countries laying claim to various features and resources in the area.
The US condemnation comes amid ongoing tensions between China and its neighbors in the region, particularly the Philippines and Vietnam. The two countries have been engaged in territorial disputes with China over various islands and shoals in the South China Sea, leading to occasional confrontations at sea.
Overall, the US condemnation of the incident near Sabina Shoal signals a firm stance against Chinese aggression in the region and a commitment to upholding international law and norms in the South China Sea.
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