Manila, Aug. 14 -- The United States' conduct of freedom of navigation operations (FONOPs) near the Bajo de Masinloc has helped support Manila in its efforts to promote international law in the area, said US Ambassador to the Philippines MaryKay Carlson.

Two US warships- USS Higgins (DDG-76) and USS Cincinnati (LCS 20)- conducted FONOPs approximately 102 nautical miles from Zambales on Wednesday, days after two Chinese vessels collided with one another as they attempted to chase away BRP Suluan near the feature, also known as the Scarborough Shoal.

"The freedom of navigation operations are very important for demonstrating that the United States military, and in this case specifically our Navy, will fly, sail, and operate anywhere that i...