US Secretary of State Anthony Blinken held a telephone conversation with Philippine Foreign Minister Enrique Manalo. The main focus of their discussion was China's recent actions in the South China Sea, which both Manila and Washington see as the cause of increased tension in the region, BTA reports.
The dialogue between Blinken and Manalo came as a result of what the US State Department described as "dangerous and irresponsible actions" by China on June 17. These actions reportedly prevented the Philippines from conducting legitimate naval operations in the disputed waters of the South China Sea.
The situation escalated when a Filipino sailor was seriously injured in what the Philippine Armed Forces called a deliberate high-speed collision initiated by the Chinese Coast Guard. This aggressive maneuver was intended to disrupt a supply mission intended for Philippine military personnel stationed at Second Thomas Shoal.