The United States on Tuesday said it was backing the Philippines’ complaints against the swarming of parts of the country’s waters in the South China Sea (SCS) by Chinese vessels believed to be manned by its maritime militia that undermined the livelihood of Filipino fishermen. The Chinese Embassy in Manila immediately issued a sharp response, saying that Washington made some “unfounded accusations” against China to “drive wedges” between countries, create tensions and harm peace and stability in the region. “The reported escalating swarms of PRC (People’s Republic of China) vessels in the vicinity of Iroquois Reef and Sabina Shoal in the Spratly Islands interfere with the livelihoods of Philippine fishing communities, and also reflect continuing disregard for other South China Sea claimants and states lawfully operating in the region,” US Department of State spokesperson Ned Price said in a statement.

Lazaro, J., & Gascon, M. (2022, December 21). US: Sino 'swarms' in SCS hindering PH livelihood. Philippine Daily Inquirer, pp. A1, A4