China, Philippines reach deal seeking to end South China Sea clashes

Manila says Beijing dropped inspection demand for supply ships to Second Thomas Shoal

20240721N South China Sea Philippines China

Chinese Coast Guard vessels fire water cannons toward a Philippine resupply vessel on its way to a mission at Second Thomas Shoal in the South China Sea during March. © Reuters

MANILA (AP) -- China and the Philippines reached a deal they hope will end confrontations at the most fiercely disputed shoal in the South China Sea, the Philippine government said Sunday.

The Philippines occupies Second Thomas Shoal but China also claims it, and increasingly hostile clashes at sea have sparked fears of larger conflicts that could involve the United States.

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