"Philippines Confronts China Over South China Sea Standoff"

The Philippines has lodged a strong protest against China and summoned a senior Chinese diplomat over a water cannon assault by the Chinese coast guard in the disputed South China Sea, resulting in injuries to Filipino navy crew members and heavy damage to their boat. China warned that relations were at a crossroads and urged the Philippines to choose a prudent path forward. The incident has sparked fears of a larger conflict, with the U.S. reiterating its obligation to defend the Philippines. The Philippines has garnered support from the United States, the European Union, Japan, Australia, and other countries, while China has accused Philippine vessels of intruding into its waters. The Philippines is taking new steps to address China's actions in the South China Sea, including summoning a senior Chinese diplomat and demanding that Chinese ships leave the waters around Second Thomas Shoal.