NATIONAL
Advocates Philippines
US And PH Defense Secretaries Discuss Enhancement Of Security And Stability Amid Renewed Chinese Aggression
Photo credit: DND
In a phone conversation held yesterday, Secretary of Defense Lloyd J. Austin III congratulated Philippine Secretary of National Defense Gilberto Teodoro Jr. on his appointment and discussed efforts to strengthen the U.S.-Philippines alliance. The conversation highlighted the significant progress made over the past year to deepen defense ties between the two countries.
Both Secretary Austin and Secretary Teodoro commended the expansion of cooperation under the Enhanced Defense Cooperation Agreement, joint patrols in the South China Sea, and the conclusion of Bilateral Defense Guidelines. These achievements have contributed to enhancing regional security and stability.
Looking ahead, the two defense leaders expressed their commitment to building on these accomplishments in the coming months. They emphasized the importance of expeditiously finalizing a Security Sector Assistance Roadmap, which will advance shared defense modernization goals over the next five years. Additionally, they discussed the need to establish a General Security of Information Agreement, enabling future transfers of advanced and interoperable U.S. technology.
Secretary Austin expressed concern over recent coercive and risky actions by the People's Republic of China (PRC) directed against Philippine vessels operating lawfully in the South China Sea, including near Second Thomas Shoal. He reaffirmed the United States' unwavering commitment to its alliance with the Philippines and reiterated that the Mutual Defense Treaty extends to Philippine public vessels, aircraft, and armed forces, including those of its Coast Guard in the Pacific region, including the South China Sea. Both Secretaries emphasized their dedication to upholding the rules-based order and supporting the rights of local Philippine communities and other claimant states to conduct lawful maritime activities, in line with the 2016 Arbitral Tribunal Ruling.
Furthermore, Secretary Austin highlighted the opportunity for closer coordination between the United States, the Philippines, Japan, and Australia—like-minded partners committed to a free and open Indo-Pacific. By working together, they aim to ensure the continued prosperity and security of the region. The Secretaries agreed to meet in person for more extensive discussions on defense and security priorities.
Both Secretary Austin and Secretary Teodoro commended the expansion of cooperation under the Enhanced Defense Cooperation Agreement, joint patrols in the South China Sea, and the conclusion of Bilateral Defense Guidelines. These achievements have contributed to enhancing regional security and stability.
Looking ahead, the two defense leaders expressed their commitment to building on these accomplishments in the coming months. They emphasized the importance of expeditiously finalizing a Security Sector Assistance Roadmap, which will advance shared defense modernization goals over the next five years. Additionally, they discussed the need to establish a General Security of Information Agreement, enabling future transfers of advanced and interoperable U.S. technology.
Secretary Austin expressed concern over recent coercive and risky actions by the People's Republic of China (PRC) directed against Philippine vessels operating lawfully in the South China Sea, including near Second Thomas Shoal. He reaffirmed the United States' unwavering commitment to its alliance with the Philippines and reiterated that the Mutual Defense Treaty extends to Philippine public vessels, aircraft, and armed forces, including those of its Coast Guard in the Pacific region, including the South China Sea. Both Secretaries emphasized their dedication to upholding the rules-based order and supporting the rights of local Philippine communities and other claimant states to conduct lawful maritime activities, in line with the 2016 Arbitral Tribunal Ruling.
Furthermore, Secretary Austin highlighted the opportunity for closer coordination between the United States, the Philippines, Japan, and Australia—like-minded partners committed to a free and open Indo-Pacific. By working together, they aim to ensure the continued prosperity and security of the region. The Secretaries agreed to meet in person for more extensive discussions on defense and security priorities.
Jul 7, 2023
