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The recent clash between the Chinese coast guard and Philippine navy at Second Thomas Shoal in the South China Sea has sparked tensions, but the Philippines has announced it will not invoke its mutual defense treaty with the United States. President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s advisers clarified in a news conference that the country does not intend to seek U.S. military assistance following the incident.
The territorial disputes in the South China Sea have long been a point of contention, involving multiple nations including China, the Philippines, and Vietnam. The U.S. has reiterated its commitment to defend the Philippines in case of an armed attack, as per the mutual defense treaty.
Despite the clash at Second Thomas Shoal, the Philippines does not consider it an armed attack warranting treaty activation. The government believes it was a misunderstanding and is cautious not to escalate tensions further. In response, steps have been taken to increase transparency in navy deployments to the shoal.
The confrontation resulted in injuries to Filipino navy personnel and the seizure of boats and rifles by the Chinese coast guard. Tensions remain high, with both sides blaming each other for the clash. The Philippines has demanded the immediate withdrawal of Chinese vessels from the shoal, asserting its sovereignty in the region.