China-U.S. spat over South China Sea threatens to overshadow ASEAN meeting

South China SeaBeijing and Washington trade accusations as foreign ministers to join Manila gatheringChina Coast Guard personnel, left, chase Philippine Navy members at the Second Thomas Shoal in the South China Sea on July 20, in this screenshot from a video. (Armed Forces of the Philippines via AP)RAMON ROYANDOYAN and MAI NGUYENJuly 21, 2026 10:07 JSTUpdated on July 21, 2026 18:04 JSTMANILA -- An escalating row between China and the U.S. over a clash between the Chinese coast guard and Philippine Navy in the South China Sea is threatening to overshadow a gathering of regional foreign ministers and many of their global counterparts in Manila this week.