Washington: During a meeting with U.S. allies, the Philippines’ foreign minister reiterated his country’s determination to uphold its sovereign rights in the South China Sea amidst escalating tensions with Beijing. Enrique Manalo accused China of heightening harassment against the Philippines, while U.S. Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin reaffirmed Washington’s support for Manila against what he described as coercion.
Recent maritime confrontations between China and the Philippines, a U.S. treaty ally, have amplified tensions in the strategically significant South China Sea, posing a potential flashpoint between Washington and Beijing. These statements were made during discussions between U.S. and Philippines defense and foreign secretaries, along with their national security advisers, following a White House meeting involving the leaders of the U.S., Japan, and the Philippines focused on the South China Sea issue.
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“We are resolute in asserting our sovereign rights, particularly within our exclusive economic zone,” stated Manalo, expressing hope for improved coordination between the U.S. and the Philippines in responding to diplomatic, defense, and security challenges in the South China Sea. Austin emphasized the unwavering commitment of the U.S. to its mutual defense treaty with the Philippines, highlighting efforts to enhance interoperability and operational coordination between their forces to counter coercion in the region.
Meanwhile, China summoned Japanese and Philippine diplomats to voice displeasure over negative remarks made during the White House summit, according to Beijing’s foreign ministry. At recent summits in Washington, allied leaders unveiled a series of agreements aimed at bolstering security and economic cooperation.
