US Secretary of State Marco Rubio described China's actions in the South China Sea as disturbing. The Philippines accused a Chinese coast guard vessel of firing a water cannon at a fisheries vessel. A Filipino sailor was injured after being struck with a baton by Chinese Coast Guard personnel. China stated it tracked and drove away two Philippine vessels near Scarborough Shoal.

The United States condemned "dangerous and aggressive actions" by China following a clash with the Philippine navy in the South China Sea, as US Secretary of State Marco Rubio…

The flare-up came before Rubio is expected to visit Manila for meetings of Southeast Asian foreign ministers, with Chinese diplomat Wang Yi also in attendance.