Washington condemned what it called dangerous and aggressive actions by China after a Filipino sailor was injured at Second Thomas Shoal on July 20 2026.
The United States State Department issued a statement on July 21 condemning the incident. Spokesman Tommy Pigott said the United States calls on China to immediately cease its destabilizing conduct.
Philippine military reports stated that China Coast Guard personnel struck a navy serviceman on the head with a wooden baton near the grounded BRP Sierra Madre. The clash occurred after a Chinese boat carrying eight men approached the vessel and two Philippine rubber boats were sent to drive the group away.
Senator Robin Padilla urged the Philippine government to take stronger steps to protect troops and defend maritime rights. He described the assault as a clear escalation of aggression and said repeated protests are not enough.
US Secretary of State Marco Rubio arrived in Manila on July 21 for foreign ministers talks with ASEAN and indicated he was open to a sideline meeting with Chinese diplomat Wang Yi.
