Rubio backs Manila, condemns Beijing’s ‘dangerous’ actions in South China Sea

They discussed “issues of mutual concern”, including China’s “dangerous and destabilising actions in the South China Sea”, she said, adding that Rubio conveyed that Beijing’s behaviour “undermines regional peace and stability and is inconsistent with international law”.

The reported comments – which mark Rubio’s first direct rebuke of China since taking office on Tuesday – were delivered against a backdrop of rising tensions in the waterway between Beijing and Manila, Washington’s oldest ally in Asia.

The Philippines has denounced the presence of China’s coastguard vessels near Scarborough Shoal – subject of competing claims by the two countries – while Beijing has accused Manila of “hyping up” disputes in the region.

In a further sign of rising tensions, the Chinese military held two days of combat readiness patrols in the South China Sea last week that coincided with the first bilateral maritime exercises of the year between the Philippines and the US.

In a social media post, Manalo said that he and Rubio talked about the importance of the alliance between Manila and Washington following President Donald Trump’s return to the White House.