The US request came after a Chinese coast guard ship cut a Philippine ship in half, leaving the two separated by just 45 meters.
The United States on Saturday called on China to end “provocative and dangerous” actions in the disputed waters of the China Sea, expressing support for the Philippines, two days before the Philippine president is to be received at the White House.
The US request came after a Chinese coast guard ship diverted a Philippine ship half its size and the two ended up separated by just 45 meters, narrowly avoiding a collision, according to an AFP journalist. .
“We call on Beijing to desist from its provocative and dangerous action” in these waters, where a collision between two Chinese and Philippine coast guard ships was narrowly avoided on Monday, the US State Department spokesman said. , Matthew Miller, in a statement.
The United States also warned that any Chinese offensive would not go unanswered, given the rise in tensions between the two countries, due to economic competition and diplomatic influence struggles.
“An armed attack in the Pacific, including the South China Sea, against Philippine armed forces, government ships or aircraft, including those of the Coast Guard, would result in honoring United States mutual defense commitments. with the Philippines, under a 1951 treaty, the State Department spokesman said.
The request comes two days before a visit to Washington by Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., who will be received by his counterpart Joe Biden at the White House.
Source: Observadora
