US renews warning it’ll defend Philippines after China spat

By JIM GOMEZ
Associated Press

MANILA, Philippines (AP) — The United States has renewed a warning that it will defend its treaty ally if Filipino forces come under attack in the disputed South China Sea. The statement came after the Philippines accused a Chinese coast guard ship of beaming military-grade laser on a patrol vessel that briefly blinded some of its crew. The U.S. State Department says China’s “dangerous operational behavior directly threatens regional peace and stability.” President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. summoned the Chinese ambassador on Tuesday to express his serious concern. China claims the South China Sea virtually in its entirety, putting it on a collision course with other claimants. Chinese forces have been accused of using lasers previously against Australian military aircraft on patrol in the South China Sea.