Following a warning by the head of the US Pacific Command that China had reached the tipping point in its control over the West Philippine Sea, the United States on Wednesday declared that it is committed and remains interested in the territorial dispute. Patrick Murphy of the US Department of State said Chinese construction, reclamation and the growing militarization in the West Philippine Sea is a great concern for the US. The militarization on the part of any and all parties, Murphy said, would suggest that past commitments are being violated.

Lee-Brago, P., & Punongbayan M. (2018, May 18). US: Washington remains committed to SCS issue. The Philippine Star, p. 10.