U.S. Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin has cautioned China regarding the South China Sea, stressing that the U.S. would defend the Philippines in the event of an armed attack on Filipino forces.
Austin made this statement during his visit to Palawan, a Philippine province adjacent to the disputed maritime area.
He was also questioned about the continuation of U.S. military support to the Philippines under the incoming administration of President Donald Trump, including a new $500 million in military aid.
He expressed confidence that the U.S.-Philippine alliance would endure political transitions.
“We stand with the Philippines, and we condemn dangerous actions by the PRC against lawful Philippine operations in the South China Sea,” Austin said, referring to China by its official name, the People’s Republic of China (PRC).
“The behavior of the PRC has been concerning. They’ve used dangerous and escalatory measures to enforce their expansive South China Sea maritime claims.”
China is also in territorial dispute with other Southeast Asian nations, including Vietnam, Malaysia, and Indonesia, all of which challenge China’s sweeping claims to the South China Sea.
The Biden administration has focused on strengthening military alliances across the Indo-Pacific to counter China, particularly regarding Taiwan and the disputed South China Sea.
Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. has worked to enhance his country’s defense capabilities.
What is the Treaty Between the U.S. and the Philippines?
During a visit to the Philippine military headquarters in Palawan, U.S. Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin, alongside his Philippine counterpart Gilberto Teodoro, reaffirmed the United States’ “ironclad commitment” to the Philippines under the Mutual Defense Treaty.
Signed in 1951, the treaty obligates both nations to defend one another in the event of an armed attack anywhere in the South China Sea, including against attacks on public vessels and aircraft.
During his visit, Austin also emphasized the U.S. commitment to strengthening the Philippines’ defense capabilities, particularly through improvements in intelligence-gathering and surveillance.
The U.S. has provided the Philippine Navy with an unmanned vessel to support intelligence and defense surveillance operations in the region.
Military Intelligence
Austin and Teodoro signed a new military agreement on Monday aimed at protecting highly classified military intelligence exchanges.
The agreement is designed to prevent leaks while enabling the Philippines to access advanced U.S. weapons systems and military technology.
According to the Philippine Department of National Defense, the deal will facilitate the delivery of sophisticated weaponry, including missile systems, and provide the Philippine military with access to U.S. satellite and drone surveillance systems.
Though specific details of the agreement were not disclosed, two Philippine security officials informed The Associated Press that the arrangement would enhance the Philippines’ military capabilities and ensure the secure exchange of sensitive information, safeguarding advanced weaponry and intelligence operations from leaks.
