US backs Philippines, says no legal basis for China maritime claims
The United States said Monday it backed Manila's freedom of navigation in the South China Sea after a Philippine ship left a flashpoint reef, leading Beijing to declare "indisputable sovereignty." Philippines says 'we have not lost' Escoda Shoal after pullout BRP Teresa Magbanua leaves Escoda Shoal after months at sea "There's no legal basis for the PRC's maritime claims in the South China Sea and the dangerous ways in which