US-China embassies clash over Second Thomas Shoal stand-off

The US and Chinese embassies in Manila exchanged sharp accusations after a Thursday stand-off at Second Thomas Shoal, where Washington backed the Philippines and condemned Beijing's 'dangerous blocking' of a resupply mission. The incident escalates rhetoric between the US and China over the disputed South China Sea feature, though the risk of direct military confrontation remains contained. This follows a pattern of recurring incidents at the shoal, but the public diplomatic spat marks a notable escalation in messaging.