US defends PH against China's "provocative action" in Ayungin Reef

By Balitang America Staff, ABS-CBN North America Bureau

April 1, 2014

REDWOOD CITY, Calif. – The United States has spoken up defending its long-time ally the Philippines in a heated territorial dispute in the South China Sea.

America has accused China of provoking the Philippines after its coast guard tried to block a Philippine vessel that was rotating troops in the disputed area.

The US State Department says the attempted Chinese blockade, which led to a two-hour standoff with the Philippine ship, is “a provocative and destabilizing action.”

US authorities say the Philippines had permission to resupply troops to Ayungin Reef or Second Thomas Shoal because it has kept a naval presence for about 12 years.

The US State Department says, as a treaty ally of the Republic of the Philippines, the United States urges China to refrain from further provocative behavior by allowing the Philippines to continue to maintain its presence at Second Thomas Shoal.

In response, Chinese state media accused the Philippines of violating morality and international law by seeking United Nations arbitration in the dispute.

Meantime, Presidents Benigno Aquino and Barack Obama may discuss tensions in the South China Sea, when the US leader swings by for a visit to the Philippines later this month.