US Secretary of State Antony Blinken reaffirmed the United States’ unwavering commitment to defend the Philippines against armed aggression in the South China Sea during his visit to Manila on Tuesday (Mar 19).
This marks Blinken’s second visit to Manila since President Ferdinand Marcos assumed office in 2022 and is part of a brief tour across Asia aimed at bolstering US support for regional allies in countering China’s assertiveness.
Amid China’s expansive territorial claims in the South China Sea, which overlap with those of several Southeast Asian nations, including the Philippines, Blinken emphasized the significance of these waterways to regional security and economic interests.
Blinken (Credits: RFE/RL)
Addressing recent incidents involving Philippine and Chinese vessels near disputed reefs, including collisions, Blinken underscored the United States’ firm stance, stating, “That’s why we stand with the Philippines and stand by our ironclad defence commitments, including under the mutual defence treaty.”
China swiftly rebuffed Blinken’s remarks, asserting that the US lacks the authority to intervene in South China Sea matters, maintaining that maritime issues should be resolved directly between China and the Philippines.
Blinken (Credits: The Times of Israel)
Blinken’s visit precedes a trilateral summit scheduled in Washington next month involving US President Joe Biden, President Marcos, and Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida.
The summit aims to advance a “shared vision for a free and open Indo-Pacific,” as White House Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre articulated.
During his meeting with President Marcos, Blinken emphasized the enduring strength of the alliance between the United States and the Philippines, describing it as “more than rock solid” and a top priority for President Biden.
