Pakistan, July 21 -- The United States condemned China's actions against Philippine naval personnel in the South China Sea, calling them dangerous and aggressive. The statement came as Secretary of State Marco Rubio arrived in Manila for ASEAN security talks.

U.S. State Department spokesperson Tommy Pigott said Washington urged China to stop what it described as destabilising conduct near Second Thomas Shoal. He reaffirmed U.S. support for its ally, the Philippines.

Read more: China, Philippines trade blame after South China Sea clash

The remarks followed a July 20 confrontation near the BRP Sierra Madre, a Philippine military outpost in the disputed waters. Philippine officials accused a Chinese Coast Guard officer of striking a Filip...