The United States has condemned China’s escalating territorial dispute with the Philippines in the South China Sea, warning that Beijing’s activities around the disputed Scarborough Shoal pose a threat to regional stability.
In a statement issued on Saturday, the US State Department accused China of attempting to prevent Filipino fishermen from accessing traditional fishing grounds around Scarborough Shoal, located off the Philippine island of Luzon.
Washington also rejected Beijing’s decision to designate the disputed area as a “nature reserve”, describing the move as another attempt to reinforce China’s territorial claims.
“The United States rejects China’s ongoing attempts to enforce its destabilizing ‘national nature reserve’ at Scarborough Reef and deny Filipino fishermen access to their traditional fishing ground,” the State Department said.
The department further accused China of using environmental and legal justifications, backed by coercive measures, to advance its broad territorial and maritime claims at the expense of neighbouring countries.
It added that the US “stands with our Ally, the Philippines, in support of a free and open Indo-Pacific.”
Tensions between Beijing and Manila have intensified in recent weeks, with reports of Chinese vessels deploying water cannons against Philippine boats operating near Scarborough Shoal.
The disputed shoal has remained at the centre of the longstanding territorial conflict between the two countries, with both claiming sovereignty over the area.
The Philippines previously challenged China’s extensive claims before the Permanent Court of Arbitration in The Hague. In 2016, the tribunal largely rejected Beijing’s sweeping claims under international maritime law. China rejected the ruling and refused to participate in the arbitration proceedings.
Beijing continues to assert extensive claims across the South China Sea through its so-called “nine-dash line”, which covers a large portion of the strategically important waterway.
The region has become increasingly contested, with China expanding its military and maritime presence and developing artificial islands in disputed areas. The South China Sea is also a critical global trade corridor, with an estimated more than $3 trillion worth of goods passing through its waters annually.
The United States has strengthened its support for the Philippines and other regional allies as tensions with China persist. In April, American forces conducted joint military activities with Canada and Australia in the region while reaffirming their commitment to maintaining a “free and open Indo-Pacific.”
US Secretary of State Marco Rubio has also condemned China’s actions against Philippine vessels. Speaking during an ASEAN meeting in Manila in July, Rubio said the incidents were “disturbing” and stressed that Washington would continue to support its allies.
“We have a role, and we’re not going to abandon our allies,” Rubio said, adding that the US had made its position “abundantly clear.”
