United States Ambassador to the Philippines MaryKay Carlson underscored the importance of recent American naval operations near the Scarborough Shoal, describing them as vital demonstrations of her country's commitment to freedom of navigation and the enforcement of international maritime law.

The United States is disputing China’s claim that it chased away an American warship conducting a freedom of navigation operation near Scarborough Shoal on Wednesday. A U.S. guided-missile destroyer sailed near Scarborough Shoal two days after two Chinese ships collided near the disputed feature while chasing a Philippine Coast Guard vessel.

On Monday, China's coast guard said it took necessary measures to expel Philippine vessels from waters around the Scarborough Shoal. The Philippine said it had offered medical aid and other support to the Chinese side, including an offer to tow the damaged China Coast Guard vessel out of the area.

The Philippines is rejecting blame for the collision between two Chinese vessels near Scarborough Shoal earlier this week, an incident that took place as the China Coast Guard vessel involved was chasing a Philippine vessel delivering supplies to Filipino fishermen in the area.

China harasses a U.S. ally after its President says he’d back Taiwan.

China’s defence ministry accused Philippine Coast Guard vessels on Friday of “dangerous manoeuvres” in response to reports of a collision earlier

The Chinese military said on Wednesday (Aug 13) it monitored and "drove away" a US destroyer that sailed near the disputed Scarborough Shoal in the South China Sea, while the US Navy said its action was in line with international law.

The DFA maintained that it holds no responsibility for the collision of two Chinese vessels when they encroached into waters off Scarborough Shoal.