By Junex Doronio
MANILA — Just like the classic song “Stand By Me,” US Secretary of State Antony Blinken on Tuesday (19 March 2024) stressed that the United States stands by its “ironclad” commitments to defend longtime ally the Philippines against armed attack in the South China Sea.
Blinken’s statement came on the heels of recent incidents involving Philippine and Chinese coast guards near disputed reefs off the Southeast Asian country’s coast, including collisions.
“These waterways are critical to the Philippines, to its security, to its economy, but they’re also critical to the interests of the region, the United States, and the world,” Blinken said at a joint press conference with Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) Secretary Enrique Manalo.
“That’s why we stand with the Philippines and stand by our ironclad defense commitments, including under the mutual defense treaty,” Blinken reaffirmed.
But Blinken’s vow to defend the Philippines did not go unnoticed by China.
“The United States is not a party to the South China Sea issue and has no right to interfere in maritime issues that are between China and the Philippines,” foreign ministry spokesman Lin Jian told a regular press conference.
(el Amigo/MNM)