U.S. Condemns China’s Escalation at Second Thomas Shoal, Reaffirms Philippine Alliance

U.S. Ambassador Lee Lipton

U.S. Condemns China’s Escalation at Second Thomas Shoal, Reaffirms Philippine Alliance

By Bing Jabadan – TheNATIONWEEK.com | July 21, 2026

MANILA, Philippines – U.S. Ambassador to the Philippines, H.E. Lee Lipton, today issued a strong condemnation of China’s escalating actions at Second Thomas Shoal on July 20. The incident resulted in injuries to a Philippine servicemember stationed on the BRP Sierra Madre, further heightening tensions in the vital waterway.

“The United States unequivocally condemns China’s dangerous actions at Second Thomas Shoal,” Ambassador Lipton declared. “These acts injured a Philippine servicemember, demonstrating a blatant disregard for international law and maritime safety.”

Ambassador Lipton emphasized the United States’ commitment to its oldest treaty ally in Southeast Asia, stating, “The United States stands firm with the Philippines, a beacon of peace and prosperity in the region.”

Highlighting the regional threat posed by Beijing’s aggressive posture, Ambassador Lipton asserted, “China’s actions in the South China Sea directly jeopardize regional stability and starkly contrast with the professionalism and discipline consistently demonstrated by Philippine forces.”

The ambassador concluded by echoing the Philippines’ call for an immediate cessation of China’s hostile activities: “We join the Philippines in demanding that China’s Navy, Coast Guard, and maritime militia cease their illegal and aggressive operations throughout the South China Sea.”

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