The U.S. has denounced China’s “dangerous and aggressive” actions in the South China Sea after a Filipino sailor was injured during a confrontation with the Chinese coast guard at the Second Thomas Shoal. This incident escalates regional tensions as U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio is set to meet with Southeast Asian foreign ministers in Manila, with the South China Sea disputes expected to dominate the agenda.
US Denounces China's 'Dangerous' Actions in South China Sea After Sailor Injured
Manila, Philippines - The United States has strongly condemned China's "dangerous and aggressive" conduct in the disputed South China Sea, following an incident where a Chinese coast guard officer allegedly struck a Filipino sailor with a wooden baton, causing injury and damaging a naval rubber boat. The confrontation occurred near the Second Thomas Shoal.
The incident comes at a critical time as U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio prepares to visit Manila for high-level meetings with Southeast Asian foreign ministers. Tensions in the South China Sea are expected to be a dominant topic of discussion, with Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi also in attendance.
Video: ASEAN foreign ministers gather in Manila as South China Sea disputes loom.
The Second Thomas Shoal is a major flashpoint in the South China Sea, an area where Beijing asserts expansive claims despite a 2016 international arbitral ruling invalidating them. The reef lies within the Philippines' exclusive economic zone, and has been the site of repeated confrontations since 2023, including the use of water cannons, lasers, and ramming tactics by Chinese vessels against Philippine resupply missions.
The U.S., bound by a mutual defense treaty with the Philippines, has reaffirmed its commitment to its ally. State Department spokesperson Tommy Pigott stated, "We stand with our Ally, the Philippines," and urged Beijing to "immediately cease its destabilizing conduct." The U.S. also reiterated its support for the 2016 arbitral ruling.
The Armed Forces of the Philippines reported that the encounter happened near the BRP Sierra Madre, a grounded warship serving as an outpost. They described the Chinese coast guard's actions as "violent and aggressive" when Philippine navy boats attempted to deter a Chinese vessel. Beijing, however, presented a conflicting account, claiming Philippine dinghies launched illegally and rammed its patrol vessel, and that Filipino personnel initiated an attack with oars and long sticks.
This escalation complicates Manila's hosting of the ASEAN foreign ministers' meeting. Secretary Rubio is expected to meet with Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., while also holding discussions with Foreign Minister Wang Yi on the sidelines of the summit. These meetings are anticipated to heavily focus on the escalating South China Sea disputes.
Image credit: A ship identified by the Philippine Coast Guard as a Chinese research vessel is seen towing a floating structure at Scarborough Shoal in the disputed South China Sea on June 15, 2026. Jam Sta Rosa | Afp | Getty Images
