The Philippines and China reported another confrontation near Scarborough Shoal on Friday, marking the third incident between the two countries this week. China's Coast Guard said it had taken "control measures" against Philippine vessels it claimed were carrying out illegal activities in the area. However, it did not provide further details on the actions taken.

The Philippine Coast Guard said Chinese vessels used water cannons against Philippine Coast Guard and Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources vessels during their mission near the disputed shoal. Philippine authorities condemned the incident, describing the actions as dangerous and unprofessional. A similar water cannon incident was also reported a day earlier.

The latest developments came as the United States increased its presence and support in the region. During a visit to Manila, US Secretary of State Marco Rubio reaffirmed Washington\'s commitment to its mutual defense treaty with the Philippines. President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. also spoke with US President Donald Trump, who said he would raise the Philippines\' concerns during his planned meeting with Chinese President Xi Jinping in September. Meanwhile, the US Seventh Fleet confirmed that the USS George Washington Carrier Strike Group had entered the South China Sea to conduct operations.

The recent incidents followed a meeting between Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi and Philippine Foreign Affairs Secretary Ma. Theresa Lazaro, where both sides exchanged diplomatic protests over the dispute. Tensions in the South China Sea remain high as both countries continue to assert their claims over contested waters, while regional and international attention remains focused on maintaining peace, stability, and freedom of navigation.