In the wake of rising tensions between the Philippines and China, US Secretary of Defence Lloyd Austin has reiterated Washington’s unwavering commitment to Manila's sovereignty. Austin condemned China’s recent aggressive actions, including a dangerous water cannon attack on a Philippine supply mission vessel on Saturday.
During a telephonic conversation with his Philippine counterpart Gilberto Teodoro, Secretary Austin underscored the importance of the US-Philippines Mutual Defence Treaty. This treaty binds both nations to support each other in the event of an attack by a third party on either country.
In a statement issued by the US Department of Defence, Austin emphasised the US support for the Philippines in defending its sovereign rights and jurisdiction. He also highlighted that the Mutual Defence Treaty extends to both countries’ armed forces, public vessels, and aircraft, including Coast Guard assets, in the Pacific region, including the South China Sea.
The conversation between the two defence officials also addressed the significance of upholding international law, particularly in contested waters. They emphasised the final and binding nature of the 2016 Arbitral Tribunal Ruling and urged China to abide by its obligations under international law.
Both leaders expressed their commitment to strengthening bilateral and multilateral cooperation in the South China Sea, alongside like-minded partners. They stressed the vision of a free and open Indo-Pacific region, grounded in principles such as transparency, the rule of law, respect for sovereignty, and peaceful dispute resolution.
The Philippines Department of Foreign Affairs recently issued a statement expressing strong protest against China's aggressive actions. This protest follows a confrontation near the Second Thomas Shoal in the South China Sea, during which China's Coast Guard and maritime militias targeted a Philippine mission, resulting in injuries to three Filipino soldiers and significant damage to the Unaizah May 4 vessel.
In response to the incident, the Philippines instructed its mission in Beijing to lodge a formal complaint. This move underscores Manila's determination to protect its sovereignty and interests in the face of escalating tensions with China.
As the situation unfolds, the reaffirmation of US support serves as a critical reassurance to the Philippines amid ongoing challenges to its territorial integrity and maritime security in the region.
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