Beijing summons Philippine ambassador over clash in disputed South China Sea shoal
Summary
China and the Philippines each summoned the other's ambassador after a clash between their sailors at a disputed area in the South China Sea. The incident involved accusations of aggression by both sides and drew condemnation from allies of the Philippines, including the United States and Australia.Key Facts
- Chinese and Philippine sailors clashed near the Second Thomas Shoal, a disputed area in the South China Sea.
- The Philippines accused the China Coast Guard of attacking a Filipino sailor with a baton.
- China said Philippine boats rammed a Chinese patrol vessel and claimed the Philippine side started the confrontation.
- China allowed injured Philippine personnel to be transferred from a grounded Philippine warship for humanitarian reasons.
- Both countries summoned each other’s ambassadors to protest the incident.
- The South China Sea is a vital global trade route claimed largely by China despite an international court ruling against its claim.
- The United States and Australia condemned China’s actions as destabilizing and dangerous.
- U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio arrived in Manila for an ASEAN summit and expressed support for freedom of navigation in Southeast Asia.
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