SUMMARY
MANILA, Philippines – The Philippines’ treaty-ally, the United States, condemned on Monday, June 17, China’s “aggressive, dangerous maneuvers” during a Philippine resupply mission to the BRP Sierra Madre in Ayungin Shoal.
In a statement, US Ambassador to Manila MaryKay Carlson said Chinese actions “caused bodily injury, damaged Philippine vessels, and hindered lawful maritime operations to supply food, water, and essential supplies” for Filipino soldiers stated at the rusting warship, which has served as a military outpost in those waters since 1999.
In the early hours of Monday, the China Coast Guard claimed that a collision occurred between Philippine and Chinese vessels in waters close to Ayungin or Second Thomas Shoal.
Late Monday, more than 12 hours later, the Philippine…