President Joe Biden has pledged to stand up for the Philippines against any harm in the South China Sea, calling its support for Manila “ironclad.”
Mr. Biden’s remarks come as a result of frequent scuffles and rising tensions between Philippine and Chinese coast guard vessels in the contested lake.
Since 1951, there has been a mutual defense agreement between the US and the Philippines.
China has frequently attributed the US’s rise in conflicts to the place.
Mr. Biden stated at the start of three-way discussions at the White House with Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. and Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida that “any assault on Asian aircraft, vessels, or military forces in the South China Sea would summon our mutual defense convention.”
Mr. Marcos ‘ visit to Washington comes a few days after his country accused a Chinese ship of performing “highly dangerous movements” close to the Second Thomas Shoal, a disputed sea area close to the Spratly Islands.
One of the many instances in which Chinese boats have been accused of harassing residents of the area, including ramming Spanish ships and fire waters cannons.
Although the three leaders did not give China a name, Mr. Marcos claimed that they” share an unwavering commitment to the rules-based international get.”
China, for its part, has consistently dismissed condemnation of its activities in the South China Sea and held the US responsible for escalating tensions in the Indo-Pacific.
No one should offend China’s regional autonomy or maritime rights or interests, according to Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Mao Ning on Thursday,” and China continues to stand steadfast in protecting our legal rights.”
According to the White House and Japan’s international government, the three countries plan to progress” trilateral defence co-operation”, including through combined naval exercises.
One day after Mr. Biden and Mr. Kishida announced a number of agreements between the US and Japan, which were primarily focused on boosting defense ties in the face of a possible threat from China, the intergovernmental meeting took place.
The US and Japan’s joint command structure and an increased atmosphere defense system that includes Australia are among those plans.
Moreover, US and Japanese forces may engage in three-way military drills with the UK.
Speaking to reporters on Wednesday, Mr Kishida acknowledged that the US and Japan had answer to” difficulties” from China, even if they hope to continue “our speech with China and carbon- working with China on popular challenges”.
