US Secretary of State Marco Rubio has criticized China’s „dangerous and destabilizing actions in the South China Sea“ in a conversation with his Philippine counterpart. Rubio assured him that the US would continue its „ironclad“ commitment to the defense of the Philippines. According to a statement from the US Department of Defense, Rubio discussed ways to advance security cooperation, expand economic ties and deepen regional cooperation. The statement accused China’s conduct of undermining regional peace and stability and being in violation of international law.