Philippines won’t invoke mutual defense treaty with US after Chinese confrontation at disputed shoal. The Philippines will not invoke its mutual defense treaty with the U.S. after Chinese coast guard personnel reportedly attacked Philippine navy boats at Second Thomas Shoal. President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.'s advisors downplayed the incident, labeling it a misunderstanding rather than an armed attack. The confrontation involved Chinese personnel ramming and boarding Philippine boats, resulting in injuries and the seizure of rifles. The Philippines condemned the aggression and demanded China return the rifles and pay for damages.