US Backs Philippines Against China’s Actions in South China Sea

The BRP Sierra Madre, a marooned transport ship that Philippine Marines live on as a military outpost, is pictured in the disputed Second Thomas Shoal, part of the Spratly Islands in the South China Sea, on March 30, 2014. Erik De Castro/Reuters

The United States reaffirmed its defense commitments to the Philippines after Chinese coastguard vessels were accused of firing water cannons against Philippines resupply boats in the disputed South China Sea.

State Department spokesman Ned Price said the United States has pledged to stand with its treaty ally, the Philippines, and warned China that any “armed attack on Philippine public vessels” in the disputed sea would invoke the U.S. mutual defense commitments.