US warns China on action against Philippines in South China Sea

A file photo of Chinese coastguard ships in the South China Sea. - Reuters

ABUJA, Nov 20 (AFP): The United States on Friday (Nov 19) accused China of an escalation against the Philippines and warned that an armed attack would invite a US response after an incident in disputed waters.

"The United States stands with our ally, the Philippines, in the face of this escalation that directly threatens regional peace and stability," State Department spokesman Ned Price said in Abuja, where Secretary of State Antony Blinken was travelling.