U.S. warns it will protect the Philippines as tensions with China ramp up

Driving the news: China and the Philippines blamed each other for the collision between their ships on Monday, AP reported.

• The U.S. "condemns the PRC's aggressive, dangerous maneuvers" in the disputed shoal where the ships collided, MaryKay Carlson, U.S. Ambassador to the Philippines, wrote on X.
• China's actions "caused bodily injury, damaged Philippine vessels, and hindered lawful maritime operations to supply food, water, and essential supplies to Philippine personnel within the Philippine exclusive economic zone," she added.

Zoom out: A U.S. State Department spokesperson called China's actions "reckless" and said they were a threat to regional security in a statement Monday. The incident adds to a series of Chinese provocations in the region.

• The U.S. reaffirmed its support for the 1951 mutual defense treaty between the two countries and said that it "extends to armed attacks on Philippine armed forces, public vessels, or aircraft — including those of its Coast Guard — anywhere in the South China Sea," Miller noted in a statement Monday.

The big picture: Tensions between the U.S. and China have risen in recent years, as China has ramped up pressure on nearby Taiwan.

• The Biden administration has sought to improve relations, including by reestablishing military-to-military communications.

Go deeper: U.S. accuses Beijing of undermining regional security in South China Sea