United States Ambassador to the Philippines MaryKay Carlson underscored the importance of recent American naval operations near the Scarborough Shoal, describing them as vital demonstrations of her country's commitment to freedom of navigation and the enforcement of international maritime law.

Beijing protests over USS Higgins’ presence near Scarborough Shoal while American navy says its presence is lawful.

China harasses a U.S. ally after its President says he’d back Taiwan.

US Ambassador to the Philippines MaryKay Carlson underscored the importance of recent US Navy operations near the Scarborough Shoal, describing them as vital demonstrations of America’s commitment to freedom of navigation and the enforcement of international maritime law.

The United States is disputing China’s claim that it chased away an American warship conducting a freedom of navigation operation near Scarborough Shoal on Wednesday. A U.S. guided-missile destroyer sailed near Scarborough Shoal two days after two Chinese ships collided near the disputed feature while chasing a Philippine Coast Guard vessel.

China’s defence ministry accused Philippine Coast Guard vessels on Friday of “dangerous manoeuvres” in response to reports of a collision earlier

On Monday, China's coast guard said it took necessary measures to expel Philippine vessels from waters around the Scarborough Shoal. The Philippine said it had offered medical aid and other support to the Chinese side, including an offer to tow the damaged China Coast Guard vessel out of the area.

The DFA maintained that it holds no responsibility for the collision of two Chinese vessels when they encroached into waters off Scarborough Shoal.

China's coast guard said on Monday it took necessary measures to expel Philippine vessels from waters around Scarborough Shoal in the South China Sea.