The Epoch Times By
The United States reaffirmed its backing of the Philippines after Manila lodged a diplomatic protest against Beijing over the illegal presence of over 100 Chinese vessels around its territorial zone in Whitsun Reef.
“The United States supports the Philippines in calling on the PRC [People’s Republic of China] to end its provocative actions and to respect international law in the South China Sea,” the U.S. State Department said in a statement on Friday.
It said that Washington shares the Philippines’ concerns regarding China’s “provocative actions” in the South China Sea and its massing vessels near Whitsun Reef, which Manila refers to as Julian Felipe Reef.
“These actions are part of a broader trend of PRC provocations against South China Sea claimants and other states lawfully operating in the region,” the State Department said.
