U. S. condemns China attack on PH Navy at Ayungin - THEPHILBIZNEWS
The United States on Tuesday (July 21, Manila time) condemned China’s “dangerous and aggressive actions” against Philippine Navy personnel at Ayungin (Second Thomas) Shoal, urging Beijing to immediately stop what it described as destabilizing behavior in the South China Sea. The latest confrontation at Ayungin Shoal unfolded as Manila welcomed top diplomats from across the […]
The United States on Tuesday (July 21, Manila time) condemned China’s “dangerous and aggressive actions” against Philippine Navy personnel at Ayungin (Second Thomas) Shoal, urging Beijing to immediately stop what it described as destabilizing behavior in the South China Sea. The latest confrontation at Ayungin Shoal unfolded as Manila welcomed top diplomats from across the Indo-Pacific, placing renewed international attention on tensions in the South China Sea and calls to uphold international law and regional stability. In a statement, U. S. Department of State spokesperson Tommy Pigott said Washington “condemns China’s dangerous and aggressive actions against Philippine navy personnel at Second Thomas Shoal in the South China Sea on July 20, 2026, and calls on China to immediately cease its destabilizing conduct. ”Pigott said China’s actions were part of a broader pattern that threatens peace and stability in the region. “China’s troubling pattern of provocation against lawful Philippine maritime operations undermines regional peace and stability and directly contradicts China’s repeated commitments to resolve disputes peacefully,” he said. FILE PHOTO OF THEPHILBIZNEWSThe U. S. also expressed support for the Philippines and praised the conduct of Filipino sailors during the incident. “We stand with our ally, the Philippines, and commend the professionalism and restraint shown by Philippine navy personnel in this incident,” Pigott said. Washington likewise reiterated its support for the landmark 2016 arbitral ruling that invalidated China’s sweeping claims over much of the South China Sea. “We reaffirm the July 2016 Arbitral Tribunal ruling, which found that China’s expansive maritime claims in the South China Sea have no basis in international law. That decision is final and legally binding on both China and the Philippines,” Pigott said. He added that the United States “will continue to stand with our allies and partners in defense of a free and open Indo-Pacific. ”The statement came as the Philippines hosts the 59th ASEAN Foreign Ministers’ Meeting and related meetings in Manila from July 19 to 24, bringing together foreign ministers from ASEAN member states and key dialogue partners, including the United States, China, Russia, Japan, India, Australia, the Republic of Korea, Canada, New Zealand, the United Kingdom, and the European Union. The diplomatic gatherings, held under the Philippines’ ASEAN chairmanship, include the ASEAN Regional Forum, ASEAN Plus Three, East Asia Summit Foreign Ministers’ Meeting, and commemorative activities marking the 50th anniversary of the Treaty of Amity and Cooperation in Southeast Asia. Veronica Uy