NATIONAL
Advocates Philippines
U.S. And PH Defense Chiefs Strengthen Defense Treaty Amidst Tensions
Screengrab from AFP
Secretary of Defense Lloyd J. Austin III of the United States and Philippine Secretary of National Defense Gilberto Teodoro Jr. held discussions today, emphasizing the unwavering commitment to their nations' security interests.
The meeting comes in the wake of recent aggressive maneuvers of the People's Republic of China (PRC) Coast Guard and maritime militia on Philippine vessels within our Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ).
Austin voiced strong U.S. support for the Philippines following the dangerous obstruction of a Philippine resupply mission to Second Thomas Shoal on October 22. The incident involved perilous maneuvers by the PRC (People's Republic of China), resulting in collisions with Philippine resupply and Coast Guard vessels, imperiling the safety of Filipino crews and their ships.
Crucially, the Secretaries reaffirmed that the Mutual Defense Treaty extends to both countries' public vessels, aircraft, and armed forces, including the Coast Guard, not only in the Pacific but also within the West Philippine Sea.
Both Secretaries pledged to intensify efforts to bolster bilateral coordination, interoperability, and support for the modernization of the Armed Forces of the Philippines. Austin made it clear that the U.S. remains dedicated to the Philippines and the broader Indo-Pacific region.
The Secretaries also commended recent instances of bilateral military cooperation, including a joint sail off the coast of Palawan last month, and they expressed their commitment to expanding the scope and pace of U.S.-Philippines engagements.
An upcoming in-person meeting between the Secretaries in Jakarta, on the sidelines of the upcoming ASEAN Defense Ministers' Meeting (ADMM)-Plus, is also anticipated.
The meeting comes in the wake of recent aggressive maneuvers of the People's Republic of China (PRC) Coast Guard and maritime militia on Philippine vessels within our Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ).
Austin voiced strong U.S. support for the Philippines following the dangerous obstruction of a Philippine resupply mission to Second Thomas Shoal on October 22. The incident involved perilous maneuvers by the PRC (People's Republic of China), resulting in collisions with Philippine resupply and Coast Guard vessels, imperiling the safety of Filipino crews and their ships.
Crucially, the Secretaries reaffirmed that the Mutual Defense Treaty extends to both countries' public vessels, aircraft, and armed forces, including the Coast Guard, not only in the Pacific but also within the West Philippine Sea.
Both Secretaries pledged to intensify efforts to bolster bilateral coordination, interoperability, and support for the modernization of the Armed Forces of the Philippines. Austin made it clear that the U.S. remains dedicated to the Philippines and the broader Indo-Pacific region.
The Secretaries also commended recent instances of bilateral military cooperation, including a joint sail off the coast of Palawan last month, and they expressed their commitment to expanding the scope and pace of U.S.-Philippines engagements.
An upcoming in-person meeting between the Secretaries in Jakarta, on the sidelines of the upcoming ASEAN Defense Ministers' Meeting (ADMM)-Plus, is also anticipated.
Oct 27, 2023
