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The deliberately grounded Philippine ship BRP Sierra Madre serves as a Philippine outpost on the Second Thomas Shoal in the South China Sea on March 9, 2023. Jam Sta Rosa/AFP via Getty Images
A U.S. embassy official said on Nov. 21 that the U.S. military is supporting Philippine operations in the South China Sea with a special task force named for a contested shoal where Philippine and Chinese forces have clashed.
Task Force Ayungin is named for the shoal known as the Second Thomas Shoal.
Catherine Yang has been with The Epoch Times in New York since 2008. She also launched and previously served as chief editor of American Essence magazine and Epoch Health.
