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Manila Bulletin devider Philippines devider National devider US reiterates 'ironclad' commitment to PH in defending its sovereign rights, jurisdiction

US reiterates 'ironclad' commitment to PH in defending its sovereign rights, jurisdiction

Published Nov 16, 2023 04:37 am
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Photo courtesy of US Defense Secretary Lloyd J. Austin III X (formerly Twitter) account

The United States (US) has reiterated its “ironclad” defense commitment to the Philippines in protecting its sovereign rights and jurisdiction in its Exclusive Economic Zone (EZZ).

This came after a meeting between Philippine Defense Secretary Gilberto "Gibo" Teodoro Jr. and US Defense Secretary Lloyd J. Austin III on Thursday in Jakarta on the sidelines of the ASEAN Defense Ministers' Meeting-Plus.

“Secretary Austin reiterated President Biden’s message that the U.S. defense commitment to the Philippines is ironclad, and emphasized that the United States stands shoulder-to-shoulder with the Philippines in defending its sovereign rights and jurisdiction in its Exclusive Economic Zone,” the joint press statement of the two defense secretaries stated.

In their meeting, Teodoro and Austin reaffirmed their countries' common vision of a free and open region based on transparency, the rule of law, sovereignty respect, and peaceful dispute settlement.

They have also talked about how important it is to protect all nations' rights to fly, sail, and operate safely and responsibly wherever international law allows.  

“In this context, they denounced the recent harassment by vessels from the People’s Republic of China (PRC) towards Philippine Coast Guard and resupply vessels conducting lawful resupply operations around Second Thomas Shoal, as well as dangerous operational PRC maneuvers against U.S. aircraft and ships lawfully operating in the South China Sea,” the statement said.

“Taking note of the concerns expressed about the PRC’s recent harassment by a growing number of foreign governments globally, they also emphasized that the 2016 Arbitral Tribunal Ruling is final and binding on the Parties and called on the PRC to abide by its obligations under international law,” it added.

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