U.S. Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin condemned China's actions against the Philippines during his visit to the Philippine province of Palawan next to the disputed South China Sea. Austin reiterated the United States' commitment to defend its treaty ally in case of an armed attack. He expressed belief that the strong alliance between the U.S. and the Philippines will continue despite changes in administration.
Austin criticized China for using dangerous and escalatory measures to enforce its expansive maritime claims in the South China Sea. China has been involved in territorial disputes with several coastal states in the region, including Vietnam, Malaysia, Indonesia, Brunei, and Taiwan.
