US fumes as China clashes with Philippine sailors as Rubio arrives in Manila

Tensions in the South China Sea have escalated after the Philippines accused the Chinese Coast Guard of assaulting a Philippine sailor during a confrontation at Second Thomas Shoal. Manila released video of the incident, while Beijing blamed the Philippines for provoking the encounter. The U.S. State Department condemned China's actions, reaffirmed the 2016 Hague arbitration ruling, and pledged support for its treaty ally, the Philippines. The incident comes as U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio visits Manila ahead of key ASEAN meetings, with Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi also expected to attend.