Secretary of State Antony Blinken reiterated the United States’ commitment to defend the Philippines amidst escalating tensions with China in the South China Sea. The recent clashes between Chinese coast guard and maritime militia units and Philippine vessels have raised concerns of a broader regional conflict.
Blinken, during a joint news conference in Manila, expressed shared concerns with the Philippines over China's actions that threaten the vision for a free, open Indo-Pacific. He highlighted repeated violations of international law by China, including dangerous operations like water cannons and blocking maneuvers.
The US military maintains a regular presence in the South China Sea to assert that it is an international waterway. Blinken emphasized the ironclad nature of the mutual defense treaty signed in 1951, which obligates the US to defend Manila from armed attacks in the South China Sea.
Both Blinken and Philippine Secretary of Foreign Affairs Enrique Manalo emphasized the importance of upholding international law and resolving disputes through peaceful diplomacy. The Philippines has a longstanding policy of addressing disputes through diplomatic means.
China claims sovereignty over most of the South China Sea, despite a 2016 ruling against its claims by an international tribunal. The Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs reiterated China's stance that the US has no right to interfere in maritime issues between China and the Philippines.
Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.'s alignment with the US since taking office in 2022 marks a shift from his predecessor's closer ties with Beijing. Blinken's visit to Manila ahead of an upcoming White House summit with President Biden and Japanese Prime Minister Kishida signifies a new horizon of cooperation.
The summit aims to promote economic growth, advance clean energy supply chains, address climate change, and enhance peace and security in the Indo-Pacific region and globally. The strong foundation between the US and the Philippines underscores shared priorities in various areas of cooperation.
