U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken reiterated Washington’s strong commitment to assist in defending the Philippines in the event of an armed attack on its forces following recent clashes between Chinese and Filipino coast guards in the disputed South China Sea.
Blinken met with Philippine Foreign Minister Enrique Manalo and President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. in Manila as part of his visit to the United States’ treaty ally.
President Joe Biden is set to host Marcos and Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida in an upcoming White House summit to address concerns over Chinese aggression in the South China Sea and North Korea’s nuclear program.
During a news conference with Manalo, Blinken affirmed the U.S.’s unwavering support for the Philippines and their defense commitments, including under the Mutual Defense Treaty.
Blinken raised concerns about China’s actions in the South China Sea, highlighting violations of international law and the rights of the Philippines through various provocative activities like water cannons and blocking maneuvers.
The recent clash between Chinese and Philippine coast guards near Second Thomas Shoal resulted in injuries to Filipino naval personnel and damage to their vessel, prompting Manila to lodge a protest against China’s actions.
Despite Chinese claims of sovereignty, Blinken reiterated the U.S.’s commitment to defend the Philippines under the Mutual Defense Treaty in the event of an armed attack in the South China Sea.
In response, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Lin Jian rejected Blinken’s comments, asserting China’s right to defend its territorial sovereignty in the South China Sea.
Both Blinken and Manalo emphasized the strength of the U.S.-Philippines alliance and ongoing efforts to enhance defense ties, emphasizing that these efforts are not aimed at any specific country.
The upcoming joint military exercises between U.S. and Philippine forces in April have raised concerns in Beijing, as they will take place near Taiwan, a region claimed by China.
Blinken and Manalo expressed their shared belief in a strong Philippines as a valuable ally for the United States, and emphasized the need to continue building momentum in their alliance.
Amid protests against Blinken’s visit, territorial disputes in the South China Sea remain a contentious issue involving multiple countries, including China, the Philippines, Vietnam, Malaysia, Taiwan, and Brunei.
China’s aggressive actions in the South China Sea have led to the militarization of artificial islands, triggering concerns and responses from the U.S. and its allies in the region.
Despite an international arbitration ruling favoring the Philippines in 2016, China has rejected the decision and continues to assert its expansive territorial claims in the South China Sea.