China Coast Guard Takes Action Against Filipino Forces

U.S. President Warns China Against Attacking Philippines

Interim Deal to Smooth Deliveries to Philippine Marines

The Philippines said Friday, 21 June 2024, that it has no plan to invoke its mutual defense treaty with the United States after Chinese coast guard vessels blocked supply boats from reaching a Philippine marine detachment on a South China Sea reef.

The incident has raised concerns about the potential for conflict between the two countries in the disputed waters, which are claimed by both China and the Philippines.

The Chinese government said that its coast guard had to take action after Filipino forces defied warnings not to stray into what China calls its own territory.

US President Joe Biden has warned China that the US will defend the Philippines in the case of any attack, under the terms of the 1951 Mutual Defense Treaty.

The US and the Philippines have been conducting joint military exercises in the South China Sea, which have angered China.

The Philippines has said that it will not abandon its troops on the reef, but it is also keen to avoid a military confrontation with China.

An interim deal has been reached to allow supply boats to reach the Philippine marines, but it is unclear how long this will last.

The situation in the South China Sea is complex and there is no easy solution. It is likely that tensions will continue to rise between China and the Philippines, as well as between China and the US.