US vows to defend Philippines after row with China over ships’ collision

A Chinese vessel is seen near Philippine coastguard vessel BRP Cabra as they approach Second Thomas Shoal (Armed Forces of the Philippines via AP)

The United States has warned that it would defend the Philippines in case of an armed attack under a 1951 treaty after Chinese ships blocked and collided with two Filipino vessels off a contested shoal in the South China Sea.

Philippine diplomats summoned a Chinese Embassy official in Manila on Monday for a strongly worded protest following Sunday’s collisions off Second Thomas Shoal.