The U.S. State Department has condemned China over a clash in the South China Sea involving the Philippine Navy. On Tuesday, U.S. Secretary of State Rubio published a signed article in Philippine media stressing America's commitment to upholding freedom of navigation in Southeast Asia and reiterating the U.S. defense umbrella in the region.
Secretary Rubio and his wife arrived in Manila on Tuesday to attend the ASEAN Foreign Ministers' Meeting.
Rubio wrote: “This freedom is by no means taken for granted. If these waters fall into the hands of a major power seeking to use trade as a geopolitical weapon, the sovereignty, security, and economic prospects of both the United States and ASEAN countries will face a serious new threat.” Rubio was clearly alluding to China.
Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi will participate in the ASEAN meetings on the 22nd and 23rd. Rubio's team has not yet confirmed whether Rubio will hold talks with Wang Yi.