WorldChinese and Philippine vessels clash near Second Thomas Shoal during US-China talks

Chinese and Philippine vessels clashed in waters near the Second Thomas Shoal in the South China Sea on July 20, 2026. Both sides accused the other of provoking the incident first, and personnel from both countries were injured. China and the Philippines later summoned each other’s ambassadors and lodged protests. The confrontation took place as Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi and US Secretary of State Marco Rubio attended an ASEAN foreign ministers’ meeting, renewing attention on tensions in the South China Sea.