US reaffirms defense pact with PH after recent China 'collision' in Ayungin
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US reaffirms defense pact with PH after recent China 'collision' in Ayungin
Fisherfolk on small bancas join volunteers from the Atin Ito Coalition and members of the media as they prepare to depart from Matalbis Port in Masinloc, Zambales, for the second civilian resupply mission to the West Philippine Sea on May 16, 2024. Maria Tan, ABS-CBN News/File
Fisherfolk on small bancas join volunteers from the Atin Ito Coalition and members of the media as they prepare to depart from Matalbis Port in Masinloc, Zambales, for the second civilian resupply mission to the West Philippine Sea on May 16, 2024. Maria Tan, ABS-CBN News/FileMANILA — Washington on Tuesday reaffirmed that Philippines and United States' Mutual Defense Treaty (MDT) extends to armed attacks on Philippine armed forces, public vessels, and aircraft — including those of the coast guard — anywhere in the South China Sea.
MANILA — Washington on Tuesday reaffirmed that Philippines and United States' Mutual Defense Treaty (MDT) extends to armed attacks on Philippine armed forces, public vessels, and aircraft — including those of the coast guard — anywhere in the South China Sea.
US State Department spokesperson Matthew Miller reiterated the terms of the treaty a day after China conducted dangerous maneuvers, including using water cannon, ramming and towing, against Philippine vessels during a resupply mission to the BRP Sierra Madre in Ayungin Shoal.
US State Department spokesperson Matthew Miller reiterated the terms of the treaty a day after China conducted dangerous maneuvers, including using water cannon, ramming and towing, against Philippine vessels during a resupply mission to the BRP Sierra Madre in Ayungin Shoal.
“The United States stands with its ally, the Philippines, and condemns the escalatory and irresponsible actions by the People’s Republic of China to deny the Philippines from lawfully delivering humanitarian supplies to service members stationed at the BRP Sierra Madre on June 17,” Miller said.
“The United States stands with its ally, the Philippines, and condemns the escalatory and irresponsible actions by the People’s Republic of China to deny the Philippines from lawfully delivering humanitarian supplies to service members stationed at the BRP Sierra Madre on June 17,” Miller said.
“PRC vessels’ dangerous and deliberate use of water cannons, ramming, blocking maneuvers, and towing damaged Philippine vessels, endangered the lives of Philippine service members, is reckless, and threatens regional peace and stability,” he added.
“PRC vessels’ dangerous and deliberate use of water cannons, ramming, blocking maneuvers, and towing damaged Philippine vessels, endangered the lives of Philippine service members, is reckless, and threatens regional peace and stability,” he added.
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Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) Undersecretary Maria Theresa Lazaro and US Deputy Secretary of State Kurt Campbell also spoke about the Ayungin incident, according to a release from the US.
Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) Undersecretary Maria Theresa Lazaro and US Deputy Secretary of State Kurt Campbell also spoke about the Ayungin incident, according to a release from the US.
The China Coast Guard said in a statement on Monday that it “took control measures” against a “Philippine replenishment ship” that “illegally broke into the sea near Ren’ai Reef in China’s Nansha Islands.”
The China Coast Guard said in a statement on Monday that it “took control measures” against a “Philippine replenishment ship” that “illegally broke into the sea near Ren’ai Reef in China’s Nansha Islands.”
Former US Air Force official and maritime security expert Ray Powell, in an interview with defense reporters, said China’s use of the phrase “control measures” usually indicates the use of water cannon.
Former US Air Force official and maritime security expert Ray Powell, in an interview with defense reporters, said China’s use of the phrase “control measures” usually indicates the use of water cannon.
Defense Secretary Gilberto Teodoro Jr. on Monday said the Armed Forces of the Philippines will resist China’s “dangerous and reckless” behavior in the West Philippine Sea.
Defense Secretary Gilberto Teodoro Jr. on Monday said the Armed Forces of the Philippines will resist China’s “dangerous and reckless” behavior in the West Philippine Sea.
“Their behavior contravenes their statements of good faith and decency,” Teodoro said in a statement.
“Their behavior contravenes their statements of good faith and decency,” Teodoro said in a statement.
He went on, “We will exert our utmost in order to fulfill our sworn mandate to protect our territorial integrity, sovereignty and sovereign rights.”
He went on, “We will exert our utmost in order to fulfill our sworn mandate to protect our territorial integrity, sovereignty and sovereign rights.”
Teodoro further said it is clear that China’s actions are the “true obstacles to peace and stability in the South China Sea.”
Teodoro further said it is clear that China’s actions are the “true obstacles to peace and stability in the South China Sea.”
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