The United States supports the Philippines in calling on China “to end its provocative actions and respect international law in the South China Sea,” the State Department said on Friday. The Philippines last week lodged new diplomatic protests against Chinese maritime activities within Manila’s 200-mile exclusive economic zone. It accused China of “illegal fishing” while Chinese coast guard vessels shadowed Philippine boats on a resupply mission, adding to more than 300 complaints filed against Beijing’s activities in the South China Sea.

Reuters, J. M. (2022, June 19). US supports Phl in disputed sea protests. The Philippine Star, p. 3.