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Manila Bulletin devider Philippines devider National devider US Defense calls Galvez on China's laser activity in WPS

US Defense calls Galvez on China's laser activity in WPS

Published Feb 22, 2023 12:10 pm

The United States is supporting the Philippines in its activities in the Ayungin Shoal (Second Thomas Shoal) as it noted that it is part of the country's exclusive economic zone (EEZ) following China's recent and dangerous laser-pointing activity at the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) ship traversing the area.

Washington's backing for the Philippines was expressed during US Defense chief Lloyd Austin's phone call with his Filipino counterpart, Secretary Carlito Galvez Jr. on Wednesday.

A readout provided by Pentagon Press Secretary Brig. Gen. Pat Ryder stated that the two defense chiefs discussed about the "concerning developments in South China Sea, including a recent incident in which the People’s Republic of China (PRC) Coast Guard directed a military-grade laser at the crew of a Philippine Coast Guard vessel lawfully operating around Second Thomas Shoal."

Photo courtesy of PCG

Austin and Galvez' engagement came just after the former personally visited Manila less than a month ago.

"Secretary Austin underscored the United States' commitment to supporting the lawful rights and operations of the Philippines in the South China Sea, including around the Second Thomas Shoal, which the 2016 Arbitral Tribunal unequivocally ruled is a part of the Philippine exclusive economic zone," the readout read.

Reiterating the US Mutual Defense Treaty with the Philippines, Austin said that an armed attack against the Philippine assets, including those of the PCG, would invoke Washington's defense commitment.

Austin and Galvez then made several proposals to deepen operational cooperation and enhance shared security, including the resumption of joint operations in the South China Sea.

"Secretary Austin reaffirmed the Department's commitment to bolstering the Philippines’ defense capabilities and capacity to resist coercion as the Allies develop a Security Sector Assistance Roadmap," the readout stated.

Opportunities to expand security cooperation with other countries, such as Japan, were also discussed, according to the readout.

Austin and Galvez "concluded the call by committing to advance an ambitious set of initiatives leading up to the 2+2 Ministerial in Washington, D.C. this spring as the United States and the Philippines rapidly modernize alliance cooperation," it added.

Related Tags

Carlito Galvez Mutual Defense Treaty PCG LLOYD AUSTIN West Philippine Sea laser pointing china
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