Philippines Military Chief Expresses Outrage Over South China Sea Confrontations

The Philippine military chief, Gen. Romeo Brawner Jr., expressed anger after Chinese coast guard ships surrounded and bumped a Filipino supply boat with a water cannon in the disputed South China Sea. China's aggression in the contested waters, including the presence of over 100 Chinese government and suspected militia ships, has escalated tensions. The Philippines has vowed to defend its territorial interests, while calling for a diplomatic solution. The United States has warned it will defend the Philippines if attacked, while China insists the dispute is purely Asian. Several countries, including the US, Japan, and EU members, have expressed support for the Philippines and condemned China's actions.