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Advocates Philippines
US and PH Reaffirm Commitment Amid Tensions in West Philippine Sea and Taiwan
Screengrab from US Department of Defense
The United States and the Philippines announced the successful conclusion of their third 2+2 Ministerial Dialogue, co-chaired by Secretary of Defense Lloyd J. Austin III, Secretary of State Antony Blinken, Secretary of National Defense Carlito Galvez, and Secretary of Foreign Affairs Enrique Manalo.
The dialogue, held on April 11, 2023, resulted in strengthened cooperation and reaffirmed commitment to a free and open Indo-Pacific region and rules-based international order.
One of the key outcomes of the dialogue was the reaffirmation of the unwavering alliance commitments under the 1951 Mutual Defense Treaty, which includes the defense against external armed attacks in the Pacific, including the South China Sea. The two countries also reiterated that their respective Coast Guards are considered components of their armed forces.
The Secretaries further committed to expeditiously conclude the U.S.-Philippines Bilateral Defense Guidelines, which outlines their vision for alliance cooperation in various operational domains, including space and cyberspace.
In addition, the leaders discussed plans to operationalize four new Enhanced Defense Cooperation Agreement (EDCA) sites, namely Naval Base Camilo Osias in Santa Ana, Cagayan; Camp Melchor Dela Cruz in Gamu, Isabela; Balabac Island in Palawan; and Lal-lo Airport in Cagayan. These new sites, along with the existing five EDCA locations, will facilitate combined training, exercises, and other operational activities between the U.S. and Philippine Armed Forces, enabling rapid response to shared challenges, including natural disasters, in the Philippines and the Indo-Pacific region.
During the dialogue, Secretary Austin and Secretary Galvez also expressed concerns about recent operational behavior and gray-zone activities in the South China Sea. They committed to regularizing combined maritime activities in the region and discussed opportunities for a joint U.S.-Philippines sail in the South China Sea during Exercise BALIKATAN, which commenced on April 11 and involved over 17,000 participating troops.
Austin reiterated the U.S. Department of Defense's commitment to enhancing the Philippines' defense capabilities and capacity to resist coercion, as the allies develop a Security Sector Assistance Roadmap.
They also explored ways to coordinate more closely with like-minded nations, including Australia and Japan, to strengthen shared principles of the rule of law, freedom of the seas, and respect for territorial sovereignty. The 2+2 Ministerial Dialogue reaffirmed the enduring commitment of the United States and the Philippines to stand shoulder-to-shoulder as allies, working towards greater security, prosperity, and stability in the Indo-Pacific region and beyond.
The dialogue, held on April 11, 2023, resulted in strengthened cooperation and reaffirmed commitment to a free and open Indo-Pacific region and rules-based international order.
One of the key outcomes of the dialogue was the reaffirmation of the unwavering alliance commitments under the 1951 Mutual Defense Treaty, which includes the defense against external armed attacks in the Pacific, including the South China Sea. The two countries also reiterated that their respective Coast Guards are considered components of their armed forces.
The Secretaries further committed to expeditiously conclude the U.S.-Philippines Bilateral Defense Guidelines, which outlines their vision for alliance cooperation in various operational domains, including space and cyberspace.
In addition, the leaders discussed plans to operationalize four new Enhanced Defense Cooperation Agreement (EDCA) sites, namely Naval Base Camilo Osias in Santa Ana, Cagayan; Camp Melchor Dela Cruz in Gamu, Isabela; Balabac Island in Palawan; and Lal-lo Airport in Cagayan. These new sites, along with the existing five EDCA locations, will facilitate combined training, exercises, and other operational activities between the U.S. and Philippine Armed Forces, enabling rapid response to shared challenges, including natural disasters, in the Philippines and the Indo-Pacific region.
During the dialogue, Secretary Austin and Secretary Galvez also expressed concerns about recent operational behavior and gray-zone activities in the South China Sea. They committed to regularizing combined maritime activities in the region and discussed opportunities for a joint U.S.-Philippines sail in the South China Sea during Exercise BALIKATAN, which commenced on April 11 and involved over 17,000 participating troops.
Austin reiterated the U.S. Department of Defense's commitment to enhancing the Philippines' defense capabilities and capacity to resist coercion, as the allies develop a Security Sector Assistance Roadmap.
They also explored ways to coordinate more closely with like-minded nations, including Australia and Japan, to strengthen shared principles of the rule of law, freedom of the seas, and respect for territorial sovereignty. The 2+2 Ministerial Dialogue reaffirmed the enduring commitment of the United States and the Philippines to stand shoulder-to-shoulder as allies, working towards greater security, prosperity, and stability in the Indo-Pacific region and beyond.
Apr 12, 2023
