MANILA, March 6 -- The US State Department criticized China for its "provocative actions" in the West Philippine Sea, including the use of water cannons against a resupply boat that injured four Filipino service members while they were en route to Ayungin Shoal.

State Department spokesperson Matthew Miller said the US stands with the Philippines against these acts and is in "discussion" with the government about the latest incident.

"The latest actions, which are just the most recent in a series of provocative actions by the PRC (People's Republic of China), demonstrate once again a reckless disregard by the PRC for the safety of Filipinos and also for international law," he said in a briefing on Wednesday (Manila time).

"By impeding t...