The White House National Security Communications Advisor, John Kirby, emphasized the need for China to refrain from “overreacting” to the recent quadrilateral maritime exercises involving the Philippines, the United States (US), Japan, and Australia in the West Philippine Sea (WPS).
Kirby stressed that these exercises were conducted to uphold principles of freedom of navigation and adherence to international law.
During a press conference with the Philippine media delegation in Washington, Kirby underlined that the quadrilateral maritime cooperation was not aimed at provoking China but rather at asserting the rights of nations to operate within international law. He urged against any unnecessary escalation in response to these exercises.
The maritime activity, which included anti-submarine warfare training and tactical exercises, showcased the commitment of the four countries to bolster regional and international cooperation in support of a free and open Indo-Pacific.
Kirby expressed the US government’s deep concern over the escalating tensions in the WPS and reiterated the call for China to abide by the 2016 ruling of the Hague-based Permanent Court of Arbitration. This ruling affirmed the Philippines’ sovereign rights and jurisdiction in the South China Sea. President Joe Biden, in a recent call with Chinese President Xi Jinping, reiterated these concerns regarding Chinese activities in the region.
While China reportedly conducted its maritime drill coinciding with the quadrilateral exercise, Kirby stated that the US would continue to conduct similar patrols in Philippine waters to uphold international maritime law.
Furthermore, Kirby assured the Philippines of the unwavering support of the US, particularly under President Biden’s leadership. He emphasized the commitment to strengthening bilateral relations and fulfilling treaty obligations.
The upcoming trilateral summit among the Philippines, the US, and Japan aims to deepen partnerships across various sectors, including security, trade, people-to-people exchanges, and climate change. Kirby highlighted the importance of trilateral cooperation in addressing shared challenges and fostering a free, open, and prosperous Indo-Pacific region.
Regarding the visit of the Marcos administration, Kirby outlined its objectives, which include enhancing economic and energy security, fostering maritime cooperation, investing in critical infrastructure, and strengthening people-to-people ties between the Philippines and the US. President Biden is set to reinforce the enduring alliance commitments to the Philippines during this visit.
In summary, Kirby’s statements underscore the significance of international cooperation, adherence to legal frameworks, and the commitment of the US to its allies in the Indo-Pacific region amidst escalating tensions in the South China Sea.
(el Amigo/MNM)