US calls China's Ayungin clash 'escalatory, very negative'

MANILA, Philippines — US Secretary of State Marco Rubio on Tuesday described China's latest act of aggression at sea as an "escalatory thing that we think is very negative and benefits no one." The statement came as he was in Manila for the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) Post Ministerial Conference with the US. Rubio reiterated the US commitment to the Philippines under the 1951 Mutual Defense Treaty, stating, "We’ve all seen it. And it’s sort of an escalatory thing that we think is very negative and benefits no one." He added, "And obviously, we’ve reiterated in every meeting we’ve had that the US has a treaty arrangement with the Philippines. I believe we’re the only treaty partner the Philippines has. We intend to live up to our treaty obligations, and I think we’ve done so, and we’ll continue to do so." Washington had previously condemned China's "dangerous" and "aggressive" actions against Philippine Navy personnel stationed on the grounded BRP Sierra Madre at Ayungin Shoal in the West Philippine Sea on July 20. During the incident, two Filipino sailors were injured after being struck in the head with a pole by Chinese coast guard personnel attempting to approach or board the Sierra Madre. Philippine Foreign Affairs Secretary Ma. Theresa Lazaro had relayed Manila's strong protest to her Chinese counterpart regarding the incident. Lazaro and Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi were scheduled to meet for a bilateral discussion on the sidelines of the ASEAN Ministerial Meetings. Furthermore, the Philippines strongly condemned state-run China Daily for releasing "dehumanizing" and "racist" videos and editorial cartoons depicting Filipinos as monkeys in criticism of the 2016 South China Sea Arbitral Award. Manila demanded the removal of the video posted on China Daily's Facebook account on July 10.