MANILA, Philippines - The United States called out China’s “dangerous and aggressive actions” against a Philippine Navy personnel at Second Thomas Shoal, locally called Ayungin Shoal, in the South China Sea last July 20, 2026.
In a statement from U.S. State Department Spokesperson Tommy Pigott, the U.S. condemned China’s actions and called for the immediate halt of its “destabilizing conduct."
“China’s troubling pattern of provocation against lawful Philippine maritime operations undermines regional peace and stability and directly contradicts China’s repeated commitments to resolve disputes peacefully,” Pigott said in a statement.
Philippine military authorities said in a statement that a Chinese Coast Guard personnel “reacted violently and aggressively” by striking a Philippine Navy personnel on the head with a wooden baton, causing injury and damaging the Navy rubber boat operating “where our country enjoys sovereign rights under international law.”
According to the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP), the Western Command immediately provided medical attention to the injured personnel and is currently coordinating with BRP Sierra Madre, the country’s outpost in the Ayungin Shoal, as to the extent of injuries and if said injuries necessitate a medical evacuation.
Pigott affirmed the United States’ support, as the Philippines’ ally; and commended the country’s “professionalism and restraint” shown by the Philippine Navy personnel.
Pigott also reaffirmed the July 2016 Arbitral Tribunal ruling, which found that China’s expansive maritime claims in the South China Sea have no basis in international law.
“That decision is final and legally binding on both China and the Philippines. We will continue to stand with our Allies and partners in defense of a free and open Indo-Pacific,” Pigott said.
“DANGEROUS, ESCALATORY” ACTIONS”
United States Ambassador to the Philippines Lee Lipton also issued a statement, condemning China’s actions at the Second Thomas Shoal, calling it “dangerous” and “escalatory”.
Lipton reaffirmed the United State’s support, saying that it stands with the Philippines, its oldest treaty ally in Southeast Asia, “as a force for peace and prosperity.”
Courtesy of US Ambassador Lee Lipton / X account
According to Lipton, China’s actions in the South China Sea threaten regional stability and stand in sharp contrast to Philippine forces’ professionalism and discipline.
“We join the Philippines’ call for China’s Navy, Coast Guard, and maritime militia to stop their illegal, coercive, aggressive and deceptive actions in the South China Sea,” Lipton stated.
Lipton also welcomed on Tuesday the arrival of U.S. State Department Secretary Marco Rubio in Manila, saying that is an “absolute honor” to welcome him to the Philippines.
What an ABSOLUTE HONOR to welcome our great Secretary of State @SecRubio to the Philippines today! pic.twitter.com/0Dht0ykTrd
Rubio is expected to attend the ASEAN Post-Ministerial Conference on Wednesday, 22 July 2026, with India, Canada, Japan, China, New Zealand, European Union, Republic of Korea, Russia, Australia and the United Kingdom.
