MANILA, Philippines -- The United States deployed two warships on Wednesday in a disputed South China Sea shoal, where two Chinese navy and coast guard ships collided two days ago while trying to drive away a smaller Philippine ship in a high-seas accident captured on video, alarming several Western and Asian countries.

Foreign Affairs Secretary Ma. Theresa Lazaro rejected yesterday claims that the Philippines should be held responsible and even pay for the damage caused by a recent collision involving China’s own ships in the West Philippine Sea.

The Philippines coastguard claims that a fighter tailed one of its aircraft and performed manoeuvres at close proximity.