Chinese Ships Confront Philippine Vessels in South China Sea; US Renews Defense Warning

Despite Chinese blockades, Philippines delivers supplies to marines; US reiterates commitment to defend Philippines under 1951 Mutual Defense Treaty

Chinese coast guard and accompanying ships chased and encircled Philippine vessels in the South China Sea, with a Chinese ship blasting a water cannon at a Philippine motorboat delivering supplies to Filipino forces stationed at Second Thomas Shoal.
Despite Chinese blockades and coercive maneuvers, the Philippine contingent managed to deliver supplies to Filipino marines aboard the BRP Sierra Madre, a warship donated by the U.S. that is still actively commissioned.
The U.S. State Department reiterated its commitment to defend the Philippines under the 1951 Mutual Defense Treaty, stating that it is obligated to defend the Philippines if Filipino forces, public vessels or aircraft face an armed attack anywhere in the South China Sea.
China continues to defy a 2016 international arbitration decision that invalidated its expansive claims to the South China Sea, including Second Thomas Shoal, and has been accused of reckless harassment, blockade, and execution of dangerous maneuvers to impede or obstruct routine resupply and rotation missions.
China and the Association of Southeast Asian Nations Philippines, are negotiating a nonaggression pact called a code of conduct to prevent war in the South China Sea, but skirmishes at Second Thomas Shoal are likely to continue regularly.