Manalo talks to Blinken after phone call with China's foreign minister
Foreign Affairs Secretary Enrique Manalo is engaging with fellow diplomats from other countries amid continued differences over the South China Sea issue.
Manalo on Wednesday, Dec. 27 (Washington time), held a phone call with US State Secretary Antony Blinken to discuss “issues of mutual concern,” a readout from the US State Department said.
Manalo's call with Blinken came after he said he had a “frank and candid” with China’s Foreign Minister Wang Yi, on Manila and Beijing’s respective positions over the waters.
According to the State Department, Manalo and Blinken’s talk included “ongoing tensions in the South China Sea.”
Manalo was assured by Blinken of US’ ironclad commitment to fulfill its obligations to the Philippines under the Mutual Defense Pact.
“Secretary Blinken and Secretary Manalo also exchanged ideas on how to reinforce US-Philippines cooperation in the coming year, building on President Marcos’s official working visit to Washington, D.C., this past May,” the State Department added.
The Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) has yet to provide details on Manalo’s call with Blinken.
Amid continued row over the South China Sea, including the West Philippine Sea, the Philippine government continues its efforts to uphold its territorial sovereignty but also prevent escalation of differences.