US backs Philippines as China 'swarms' disputed sea

Expression of support for ally comes as incursions in S. China Sea draw Manila's ire

- Mara Cepeda

MANILA - The United States on Tuesday reiterated its support for its military ally, the Philippines, following Beijing's "escalating" incursions near the disputed Spratly Islands in the South China Sea.

"The United States stands with our ally, the Philippines, in upholding the rules-based international order and freedom of navigation in the South China Sea as guaranteed under international law," Department of State spokesman Ned Price said.

The US official issued the statement less than a week after the Philippines' Department of National Defence (DND) on Dec 14 denounced China for swarming parts of the disputed sea. Filipino senators also slammed Beijing that same day for a tense encounter involving rocket debris between the Philippine Navy and the Chinese Coast Guard in the same area in November.

Washington's statement of support comes roughly two weeks before Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr travels to China for a state visit from Jan 3 to 6.