U.S. Navy Plane Witnesses Chinese Coast Guard Chasing Philippine Vessels

The Philippines condemned China's coast guard for unprovoked acts of coercion and dangerous maneuvers in the South China Sea. The U.S. Navy surveillance plane witnessed Chinese coast guard and accompanying ships chasing and encircling Philippine vessels in the area. The dispute is seen as a test of America's support for the Philippines, with China aiming to expose the U.S. as an unreliable ally. The U.S. and the Philippines' defense chiefs criticized Beijing's recent actions in the South China Sea, emphasizing the need to ratchet down tensions and cease provocations.