Pentagon Backs Philippines Over Escalation Near Disputed Islands With China

The Defense Department of the United States has joined the Philippines in condemning the use of water cannons against Philippine vessels by China's coast guard near disputed islands in the South China Sea, Defense Department spokesperson Patrick Ryder said on Sunday.

"We stand with our Philippine allies in condemning the PRC's (the People's Republic of China) efforts to impede lawful operations at Second Thomas Shoal," Ryder said .

The spokesperson added that Washington remains committed to the "ironclad" alliance of the US and the Philippines.