U.S., PH reaffirm unity to enhance MDT
THE United States and the Philippines yesterday reaffirmed the importance of working closely to enhance the Mutual Defense Treaty amid the continued presence of Chinese vessels in the West Philippine Sea.
U.S. Secretary of State Antony J. Blinken. spoke yesterday with Foreign Affairs Teodoro L. Locsin Jr. where they discussed the two nations’ concerns over the continued presence of Chinese vessels at the West Philippine Sea, including the Julian Felipe Reef.
In readout, the State Department said “both expressed their shared concerns” with the massing of Chinese vessels in the area and “reiterated their calls on the People’s Republic of China to abide by the 2016 arbitration ruling”.
Blinken reaffirmed the applicability of the 1951 United States-Philippine Mutual Defense Treaty to the South China Sea.
Both officials noted the importance of “working closely to enhance” the seven-decades-old defense pact in light of the recent geopolitical developments and challenges in the Asia Pacific region, particularly in the West Philippine Sea.
“Both Secretaries expressed confidence and optimism in the future trajectory of the Philippines-United States bilateral cooperation as this year marks the 75th anniversary of the diplomatic relations between the two countries,” the Department of Foreign Affairs said.
Also discussed was Washington D.C.’s assistance to Manila’s COVID-19 response as well as its efforts to combat rising hate and violence against Asian-Americans in the US.
