US military open to escorting Philippine ships in South China Sea

MANILA, Philippines: Amid a spike in hostilities between Beijing and Manila the U.S. military is ready to consult with the Philippine navy on whether it could escort Philippine ships in the disputed South China Sea, risking a direct collision with China.

Head of U.S. Indo-Pacific Command Admiral Samuel Paparo's remarks, which he made in response to a question during a news conference in Manila with Philippine Ar