US State Department says US calls on China to immediately cease its destabilising conduct and condemns China's dangerous and aggressive actions against Philippine Navy personnel at the Second Thomas Shoal in the South China Sea on July 20th

The US State Department's condemnation of China's actions in the South China Sea marks a notable escalation in tensions, particularly given the focus on their aggression towards Philippine Navy personnel.

Newsquawk StaffPublished 20 Jul 2026, 23:33 UTCOn the live feed at 23:13 UTC, 20 minutes before this page

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Context

This development could amplify risk perception in the region, influencing market sentiment towards safe-haven assets like gold and the yen, while also potentially impacting broader geopolitical relationships. Traders should monitor for any further reactions from China and the Philippines, which could further signal shifts in regional security dynamics.

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