US, Philippines condemn Chinese action in South China Sea | NHK WORLD-JAPAN News

The United States and the Philippines have accused China of ”dangerous actions” in the South China Sea that threaten peace and stability in the Indo-Pacific region.

Washington’s involvement comes after Manila claimed a supply mission by one of its ships had been disrupted by Chinese vessels in the disputed waters.

US State Deputy Secretary Kurt Campbell spoke by phone with Philippine Foreign Affairs Undersecretary Maria Theresa Lazaro on Monday.

A US State Department spokesperson said the two shared concerns over China’s “escalatory and irresponsible actions.”

The Philippine government says Chinese navy, coast guard and maritime militia vessels obstructed its resupply mission to a military outpost in the Second Thomas Shoal on Monday.

The Philippine navy also said a personnel member was severely injured as a result of intentional high-speed ramming by the Chinese.

The waters around the shoal are controlled by the Philippines, but claimed by China.

The Chinese coast guard said the Philippine supply ship illegally intruded into waters near the shoal. It accused the ship of deliberately approaching one of its vessels, resulting in a slight collision.

In March, the Chinese coast guard fired water cannons against Philippine ships in the South China Sea, causing injuries.