In a recent forum held at the Lowy Institute in Sydney, U.S. Adm. John Aquilino, the head of the U.S. Indo-Pacific Command, expressed his deep concerns about China's aggression towards Philippine forces near disputed islands in the South China Sea.

Aquilino specifically highlighted the ongoing clashes between the Chinese coast guard and Philippine patrol vessels near the Second Thomas Shoal, currently occupied by the Philippines. He cited an incident from last month where Filipino seamen were injured when a Chinese vessel collided with a smaller Philippine vessel. Additionally, two Chinese coast guard ships allegedly used high-pressure water spray to shatter the windscreen of a Philippine vessel.

When questioned about the most dangerous flash point in his command area, Aquilino unequivocally pointed towards the Second Thomas Shoal, stating that he was "very, very concerned" about the direction of the situation. He deemed these actions by China as not only dangerous and illegal but also profoundly destabilizing to the region.

Aquilino raised the important question of what China's next moves would be and the extent to which they were willing to escalate tensions in the area. To address these concerns, the United States, Japan, the Philippines, and Australia conducted their first four-way joint exercises in Philippine waters of the South China Sea on Sunday. The participating nations emphasized that these exercises were aimed at upholding freedom of navigation and overflight in the disputed region.

The U.S. Commander emphasized that the joint exercises showcased the ability of these like-minded allies and partners to operate safely, effectively, and in accordance with international law in the region. Aquilino stressed the importance of demonstrating strength and unity among the allies and reiterated their commitment to operating wherever international law permits.

In response to the naval exercises by the U.S. and its allies, China's military announced on Sunday that it had conducted its own air and sea patrols, asserting that it maintained control over activities that "disrupt the South China Sea."

The situation in the South China Sea remains tense as concerns grow over increasing aggression and violations of international law by China. As the United States and its allies continue to assert their commitment to maintaining regional stability and upholding international norms, the world watches closely to see how the situation will unfold.