US Backs Philippines in Territorial Dispute with China
The United States has pledged support to the Philippines in response to the continuing harassment by China’s Coast Guard against Philippine ships in the South China Sea. In a statement from the US Foreign Ministry, it was stated that the US stands with the Philippines in the face of China’s pressure, which interferes with freedom of navigation in the area. The statement called on China to abandon its provocative behavior and reassured the Philippines that the US is committed to protecting international maritime law and will mobilize its defense commitments under the United States-Philippines Mutual Defense Treaty. The recent incident took place when the Chinese Coast Guard denied the Philippine vessel access to the Second Thomas Shoal Reef. The South China Sea has been a territory of sovereignty disputes since World War II, with multiple countries claiming rights over it including China, the Philippines, Malaysia, and Vietnam. The US has increased its military patrol and navigation activities, known as “Freedom of Navigation Operations” (FONP), to counteract China’s growing presence in the region.
