US condemns China's "dangerous maneuvers" in South China sea

MaryKay Carlson Tensions in the South China Sea flared anew as Chinese coast guard vessels, backed by navy ships, fired water cannons and blocked Philippine patrol vessels near Scarborough Shoal.

Philippine officials reported the incident as a deliberate act of aggression in the long-disputed waters.

The United States swiftly condemned China’s actions, with U.S. Ambassador to the Philippines MaryKay Carlson calling the maneuvers “unlawful” and “dangerous.”

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In a social media statement, Carlson warned that Beijing’s actions jeopardize lives and undermine regional stability. “We condemn these actions and stand with our like-minded friends, partners, and allies in support of a free and open Indo-Pacific,” she declared.

China, which claims almost the entire South China Sea as its territory, faces opposition from the Philippines, Vietnam, Malaysia, Brunei, and Taiwan. Despite a 2016 international arbitration ruling that invalidated Beijing’s sweeping claims, China has continued aggressive measures to assert control over contested areas.

The recent clash unfolded during a routine patrol by three Philippine coast guard and fisheries vessels aimed at protecting local fishermen in the area. According to the Philippine coast guard, Chinese vessels engaged in “aggressive actions,” including sideswiping and blocking the Philippine boats.

China’s coast guard spokesperson Liu Dejun countered these allegations, accusing the Philippine vessels of “dangerously approaching” Chinese patrol ships. He claimed the Chinese forces acted to “exercise control” over the Scarborough Shoal, which Beijing calls Huangyan Island. “We warn the Philippines to immediately stop infringement, provocation, and propaganda,” Liu stated, adding that China would hold Manila accountable for any further incidents.

Despite the confrontational tactics, Philippine authorities vowed to uphold their sovereignty. “We will continue to be vigilant in safeguarding our national interests in the West Philippine Sea,” the Philippine coast guard and Bureau of Fisheries said, reaffirming their commitment to protecting Filipino fishermen.

Philippine coast guard Commodore Jay Tarriela dismissed China’s claims as pretext for unlawful aggression. “These are not standard law enforcement actions,” Tarriela said. “They should be interpreted as violations of international law.”

The South China Sea dispute remains a central flashpoint in U.S.-China relations. While the U.S. holds no territorial claims in the region, it has declared freedom of navigation and peaceful conflict resolution as core interests. Washington has reiterated its treaty obligation to defend the Philippines if its forces are attacked.

For now, the region braces for further escalation, with Philippine and Chinese forces locked in a dangerous cycle of claim and counterclaim in one of the world’s most critical maritime zones.