US Backs Philippines Against China’s ‘Provocative Actions’ in Disputed Seas

A Philippine flag flutters from BRP Sierra Madre, a dilapidated Philippine Navy ship that has been aground since 1999 and became a Philippine military detachment on the disputed Second Thomas Shoal, part of the Spratly Islands, in the South China Sea March 29, 2014. Erik De Castro/Reuters

The United States reaffirmed its backing of the Philippines after Manila lodged a diplomatic protest against Beijing over the illegal presence of over 100 Chinese vessels around its territorial zone in Whitsun Reef.

“The United States supports the Philippines in calling on the PRC [People’s Republic of China] to end its provocative actions and to respect international law in the South China Sea,” the U.S. State Department said in a statement on Friday.