In a joint press conference held in Hawaii, US Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin expressed his concern over China's actions in the South China Sea, specifically regarding the recent confrontation with the Philippines. Austin referred to the damage caused to Philippine vessels and the injuries sustained by their crew members as "irresponsible behavior" that disregards international law.

The tension between Manila and Beijing escalated after China's coast guard utilized water cannons against two Filipino vessels at the disputed Scarborough Shoal. The incident sparked outrage from the Philippine government, leading to a series of verbal exchanges between the two nations.

Austin emphasized the United States' unwavering support for the Philippines, citing the 1951 Mutual Defense Treaty. He stated that the commitment to the treaty is "ironclad," and reiterated that the US stands firmly with the Philippines. The treaty binds the two countries to defend each other in the event of an attack, including in the South China Sea.

Also present at the press conference was Philippine Defense Secretary Gilberto Teodoro, who emphasized their commitment to building capacity and deterrence to prevent any situation that would require invoking the treaty. Teodoro stressed the importance of asserting their rights in a manner that safeguards the safety of their armed forces.

The Scarborough Shoal, a valuable fishing ground for several nations, has been a source of contention between the Philippines and China for years. China has occupied the shoal for over a decade and has consistently asserted its territorial claim over the area. Both countries continue to engage in activities that further escalate tensions, with the Philippines increasing its coast guard patrols near disputed features within its exclusive economic zone.

China accused the Philippines of encroachment and issued a warning against challenging its resolve to defend its sovereignty. Beijing views the Philippines' strengthened alliances with the United States and Japan, as well as the increased coast guard patrols, as provocative actions.

This is not the first instance of China deploying water cannons against Philippine vessels. Similar incidents occurred in March and late last month, resulting in damaged vessels and injured crew members. The Philippines has repeatedly protested Beijing's actions, summoning a Chinese diplomat yesterday to express its dissatisfaction over the use of water cannons.

Meanwhile, in an unrelated matter, Defense Secretary Austin also commented on the situation in Gaza, stating that there was no indication of Hamas planning any attack on US troops. However, he mentioned that adequate measures were being put in place to ensure the safety of military personnel.

As tensions continue to rise in the South China Sea, the meeting between defense chiefs from the US, Australia, Japan, and the Philippines took place to deepen their cooperation. The gathering aimed to address concerns regarding China's operations in the region.

In other news, Saudi Arabia and the United States are reportedly working towards a landmark deal to strengthen bilateral trade and defense. However, officials have stated that an agreement will only be reached if the kingdom establishes diplomatic relations with Israel.