Second Thomas Shoal stand-off sparks sharp exchange between US, China embassies

The Chinese and US embassies in the Philippines have exchanged sharp accusations following Washington’s defence of its treaty ally after a stand-off in the South China Sea last week. In a statement issued on Sunday, the US embassy in Manila backed the Philippines and said Beijing’s “dangerous blocking and irresponsible manoeuvres” had threatened a collision and prevented a lawful resupply mission to Second Thomas Shoal, one of the flashpoints in the South China Sea disputes. The statement called...