Challenging China's Aggressive Behavior in the South China Sea: US Navy Official

The commander of the U.S. Navy's Seventh Fleet, Vice Admiral Karl Thomas, has called for the challenging and checking of China's "aggressive behavior" in the South China Sea, including the recent use of water cannon against a Philippine vessel. Thomas assured the Philippines of U.S. backing and emphasized the need to push back against China's actions. The Seventh Fleet operates in the region and Thomas discussed challenges and potential assistance with the head of the Philippine Western Command. China's claim to sovereignty over most of the South China Sea has been deemed illegal by an international tribunal, but it has continued to build militarized islands in the disputed area.