China’s Actions Against Philippine Navy Personnel at Second Thomas Shoal

The United States condemns China’s dangerous and aggressive actions against Philippine navy personnel at Second Thomas Shoal in the South China Sea on July 20, 2026, and calls on China to immediately cease its destabilizing conduct.  China’s troubling pattern of provocation against lawful Philippine maritime operations undermines regional peace and stability and directly contradicts China’s repeated commitments to resolve disputes peacefully.

We stand with our Ally, the Philippines, and commend the professionalism and restraint shown by Philippine navy personnel in this incident.  We reaffirm the July 2016 Arbitral Tribunal ruling, which found that China’s expansive maritime claims in the South China Sea have no basis in international law. That decision is final and legally binding on both China and the Philippines.  We will continue to stand with our Allies and partners in defense of a free and open Indo-Pacific.