China faced growing backlash Monday after it blocked and fired water cannons at a key U.S. ally’s vessels in the disputed South China Sea, the latest incident to raise tensions over the crucial waterway.
The Philippine government summoned Beijing’s ambassador and lodged a diplomatic protest over the weekend confrontation, while Washington reiterated a warning that it is obligated to defend its ally if it comes under attack.
China countered that its actions were necessary, accusing the Philippines of violating its sovereignty.