China, Philippines Trade Blame After Sailor Hurt in South China Sea Clash

US condemns Beijing's actions near Second Thomas Shoal as tensions rise ahead of Southeast Asian diplomatic meetings

China and the Philippines traded accusations Monday after a Filipino sailor was injured in an encounter between vessels from the two countries near Second Thomas Shoal in the disputed South China Sea, according to Al Jazeera.

The United States condemned what it called China's "dangerous and aggressive" actions following the incident, CNBC reported. The flare-up comes as Secretary of State Marco Rubio is expected to travel to Manila for meetings of Southeast Asian foreign ministers, where Chinese diplomat Wang Yi is also set to attend.

Second Thomas Shoal has been a persistent flashpoint between Beijing and Manila, with the Philippines maintaining a small military presence on a grounded ship in the area despite China's rival territorial claims. The shoal lies within the Philippines' internationally recognized exclusive economic zone but is also claimed by China as part of its expansive claims over nearly the entire South China Sea.

Washington has a mutual defense treaty with Manila, and U.S. officials have repeatedly said an armed attack on Philippine forces, aircraft or vessels in the South China Sea would trigger American defense commitments.

— Compiled from reporting by Al Jazeera and CNBC.