US renews warning it will defend treaty ally Philippines after Chinese ships rammed Manila vessels

By JIM GOMEZ and SIMINA MISTREANU
Associated Press

MANILA, Philippines (AP) — The United States has renewed a warning that it would defend the Philippines in case of an armed attack after Chinese ships blocked and collided with two Filipino vessels in the South China Sea. Philippine diplomats summoned a Chinese Embassy official in Manila on Monday for a strongly worded protest following Sunday’s collisions off Second Thomas Shoal, which is also claimed by China. No injuries were reported but the Philippine ships reported damage. China has blamed the Philippines for the collisions saying the vessels were carrying construction materials to strengthen the Philippine outpost at the shoal. The Philippines and other neighbors of China have resisted Beijing’s sweeping territorial claims over virtually the entire South China Sea.