Amid South China Sea tensions, new US envoy reaffirms support for allies

The United States, through its newly appointed envoy to Malaysia Edgard D Kagan, has raised concerns over China’s actions within a disputed territory in the South China Sea that borders the Philippines and Sabah.

Specifically, Kagan cited the ongoing confrontation between China and the Philippines over the Second Thomas Shoal - a submerged reef in the Spratly Islands, 105 nautical miles west of the Philipines - claimed by China, the Philippines, Taiwan and Vietnam.