"US Reaffirms Commitment to Defend Philippines Amid China Tensions"

China has warned the United States against taking sides in the South China Sea issue after U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken reaffirmed a security commitment with the Philippines, extending to attacks on the Philippine coast guard. China insists that its activities in the South China Sea are legitimate and lawful, while criticizing the U.S. for intervening in maritime issues between China and the Philippines. Tensions continue to rise as both countries assert their positions in the region.