Blinken reaffirms US' strong pledge to support Philippines amidst concerns of conflict with China

Secretary of State Antony Blinken reaffirmed the United States' strong commitment to protecting the Philippines amidst growing tensions with China in the South China Sea. The situation has raised concerns about a potential wider conflict in the region.

The stability of the area is at risk due to confrontations between Chinese coast guard and maritime militia units and Philippine vessels near disputed areas in the sea. In a recent incident two weeks ago, a Chinese coast guard ship used a water cannon against a Philippine boat, causing damage and injuring four Filipino sailors.

During a joint news conference in Manila, Blinken expressed shared concerns with his Philippine counterpart regarding the actions of the People's Republic of China (PRC). These actions pose a threat to our collective vision of a free and open Indo-Pacific, particularly in the South China Sea and the exclusive economic zone of the Philippines.

Blinken highlighted the repeated violations of international law and the rights of the Philippines, including the use of water cannons, blocking maneuvers, close shadowing, and other dangerous operations. These actions not only impact the security and economy of the Philippines but also have implications for the wider region, the interests of the United States, and the global community.

The US military regularly operates in the South China Sea through aircraft overflights, freedom of navigation operations, patrols, and exercises with allies and partners to emphasize the sea's status as an international waterway.

Blinken reaffirmed the strength of the mutual defense treaty signed in 1951, stating that Washington is committed to defending Manila from any form of attack. This commitment extends to armed attacks on Filipino armed forces, public vessels, and aircraft, including those operated by its coast guard, throughout the South China Sea.

He emphasized the importance of standing united in upholding international law, not just for the Philippines but for all countries, in the face of any provocative actions.

Blinken described the significant growth in relations between the US and the Philippines as extraordinary and rapidly advancing. However, both he and Philippine Secretary of Foreign Affairs Enrique Manalo clarified that this strengthened partnership is not directed at any specific country.

Rebecca Wright/CNN

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The Philippine official emphasized that Manila's goal is to peacefully resolve disputes through diplomacy.

"We have always believed in addressing and managing conflicts through diplomatic and peaceful methods, and we remain dedicated to that approach," Manalo stated.

China asserts that it has "indisputable sovereignty" over nearly all of the 1.3 million square miles of the South China Sea, which is abundant in resources. This claim is in contrast to a 2016 ruling by an international tribunal in The Hague.

During a routine press conference on Tuesday, Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs spokesperson Lin Jian stated that the United States is not involved in the South China Sea matter and does not have the authority to meddle in the maritime disputes between China and the Philippines.

Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. has shown a clear preference for the United States since coming into office in 2022, a departure from his predecessor's stronger ties with China. He has also been vocal in condemning China's activities in the South China Sea.

US Secretary of State Antony Blinken attends a meeting with Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., at Malacañang Palace in Manila on March 19, 2024.

US Secretary of State Antony Blinken attends a meeting with Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., at Malacañang Palace in Manila on March 19, 2024.

Evelyn Hockstein/AP

Tuesday was Blinken's second visit to Manila since Marcos became president. This visit comes just weeks before President Joe Biden is scheduled to host a summit at the White House in April with the Philippine president and Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida.

Before meeting with Marcos on Tuesday, Blinken expressed his excitement for the upcoming summit, calling it a "new horizon of cooperation" that holds great promise.

"It’s building on the very strong foundation between our countries, where we have the same priorities. Whether it’s economic development, dealing with climate change, ensuring food security, or upholding international law, all of these things are front and center," Blinken stated.

In a statement released on Monday, White House spokesperson Karine Jean-Pierre mentioned that the three leaders will discuss trilateral cooperation. Their focus will be on promoting inclusive economic growth and emerging technologies, advancing clean energy supply chains and climate cooperation, and furthering peace and security in the Indo-Pacific and globally.

 CNN’s Manveena Suri and Wayne Chang contributed reporting.

Editor's P/S:

The tensions in the South China Sea are a serious concern, not just for the Philippines but for the entire region. China's aggressive actions, including the use of water cannons against Philippine vessels, are a clear violation of international law and pose a threat to the stability of the area. The United States' commitment to defending the Philippines under the mutual defense treaty is reassuring, but it is important to find a diplomatic solution to these disputes.

The United States has a long history of cooperation with the Philippines, and the recent strengthening of ties between the two countries is a positive step. However, it is important to clarify that this partnership is not directed at any specific country. The goal of the United States and the Philippines is to uphold international law and promote peace and security in the Indo-Pacific region..