The US has recently clarified its terms of its defense treaty obligations to the Philippines, which includes putting forth new guidelines that specifically address attacks in the South China Sea, including ones on its coast guard, per Reuters.
 
The issue of the guidelines was the first time of its kind since the treaty was signed in 1951. The news comes after Filipino diplomats have protested what it has referred to as “aggressive” behavior from China, including threats and actions on its coast guard.