An Interim Deal to Smooth Deliveries to Philippine Marines Marooned on a Ship at a Hotly Disputed Reef in the South China Sea Appears to be in Doubt
Manila and Beijing Reach a Deal to End Confrontations at Fiercely Disputed Shoal in the South China Sea
In a major development, China and the Philippines have reached a deal they hope will end confrontations at the most fiercely disputed shoal in the South China Sea. The deal is an interim measure aimed at easing tensions and allowing for the delivery of supplies to Philippine marines who have been marooned on a ship at the shoal for several weeks.
The deal was reached during a crucial meeting between Chinese and Philippine officials in Manila on Tuesday. The two sides agreed to set up a communication mechanism to avoid misunderstandings and accidents, and to allow for the resumption of supply deliveries to the Philippine marines.
Philippines Accuses China of Launching Brutal Assault with Bladed Weapons
However, the deal appears to be in doubt after Manila accused China's Coast Guard of launching a brutal assault with bladed weapons during a South China Sea clash earlier this week. The Philippines has released photos and videos that it says show Chinese Coast Guard personnel attacking Philippine boats with knives and other sharp objects.
China has denied the allegations, but the incident has raised tensions between the two countries and cast doubt on the future of the interim deal.
US President Joe Biden Warns China against Attacking the Philippines
In a further development, US President Joe Biden has warned China that the US will defend the Philippines in case of any attack. Biden said that the US has a "commitment to our allies in the region" and that it will "stand with them against any threats."
China's Foreign Ministry has dismissed Biden's warning as "irresponsible and dangerous." The ministry said that China has no intention of attacking the Philippines and that it is committed to maintaining peace and stability in the region.
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