The United States reiterated its commitment to defend the Philippines, its close treaty ally, following a serious confrontation between Filipino navy personnel and Chinese forces in the disputed Second Thomas Shoal in the South China Sea. The incident resulted in injuries to Filipino navy personnel and damage to their supply boats.
Both China and the Philippines have accused each other of instigating the hostilities at the shoal, which has been a focal point of a long-standing territorial dispute. The United States, through Deputy Secretary of State Kurt Campbell, emphasized that the 1951 Mutual Defense Treaty obligates Washington to assist Manila in major conflicts, including armed attacks on Philippine armed forces and vessels in the South China Sea.
