The United States and the Philippines are linked by a security alliance. Washington has repeatedly supported Manila in disputes with Beijing over territorial claims in the South China Sea. The Chinese army has been carrying out military drills off the coast of Taiwan since Thursday, which it considers a breakaway province. Chinese fighter jets and warships have repeatedly crossed the unofficial maritime border between China and Taiwan. The People’s Republic was reacting to a visit to Taiwan by the head of the US House of Representatives, Nancy Pelosi.
