U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken is scheduled to arrive in the Philippines on Monday amidst escalating tensions between Beijing and Manila over territorial disputes in the South China Sea. The Philippines Department of Foreign Affairs responded to China's recent claims of 'historic rights' in the international waters, labeling them as baseless and misleading.
The Philippines reiterated its firm stance against actions that infringe upon its sovereignty and maritime jurisdiction. China's assertive behavior in the South China Sea, where it challenges the Exclusive Economic Zones of neighboring countries like the Philippines, Vietnam, and Malaysia, has raised concerns internationally.
During Blinken's visit, the focus is expected to be on addressing China's aggressive posture in the region. A senior State Department official emphasized the Biden administration's commitment to regional partners and the importance of upholding peace, stability, and international law in the Indo-Pacific.
The official expressed concerns about potential miscalculations and emphasized the need for China to exercise restraint and adhere to international legal norms in maritime disputes. The United States has called on China to respect international law and avoid actions that could escalate tensions in the region.
