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Manila Bulletin devider Philippines devider National devider PH-US defense treaty 'needs to be studied' after sea collision — DFA

PH-US defense treaty 'needs to be studied' after sea collision — DFA

Published Oct 23, 2023 07:34 am

The Philippine government will still study if its Mutual Defense Treaty (MDT) with the United States could be invoked after China made dangerous maneuvers against Philippine vessels that led to a collision in the West Philippine Sea.

Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) Spokesperson Ma. Teresita Daza said, in a press conference Monday, that the US' commitment to defend the Philippines will come into effect only "when there is an armed attack" on the country's public vessels.

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Mark Balmores/MANILA BULLETIN

On Oct. 22, a Philippine resupply boat in the waters off Ayungin Shoal collided with a Chinese Coast Guard vessel after the latter blocked off its path.

Daza described China's action as "aggressive," "dangerous," and a "provocation on the side of China," but she said if such would constitute the invocation of MDT "is something that needs to be studied."

Following the incident, US said it was standing by the Philippines "in the face of the People's Republic of China (PRC) Coast Guard and maritime militia's dangerous and unlawful actions obstructing an October 22 Philippine resupply mission to Second Thomas [Ayungin] Shoal in the South China Sea."

US said China's actions disregarded other states lawful operation in the region.

​"The United States reaffirms that Article IV of the 1951 US-Philippines Mutual Defense Treaty extends to armed attacks on Philippine armed forces, public vessels and aircraft—including those of its Coast Guard—anywhere in the South China Sea,​" ​the US State Department said.

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Department of Foreign Affairs mdt PH-US alliance
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