The defense cooperation between long-time allies Philippines and United States remains ironclad especially at a time where nations should work together to maintain peace and stability amid the continuing geopolitical tension in the region.
Defense Secretary Gilberto Teodoro Jr. (Photo: Department of National Defense)
The Department of National Defense (DND) emphasized this on Friday, July 7, a day after DND Secretary Gilberto Teodoro Jr. spoke with US Department of Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin III via phone, their first engagement since the former’s appointment to the top defense post last month.
“On July 6, 2023, Secretary Gilberto C. Teodoro, Jr. received a phone call from US Secretary of Defense Lloyd J. Austin III with the two officials reaffirming that the alliance between the Philippines and the US remains ironclad,” DND spokesperson Arsenio Andolong said.
“After congratulating Secretary Teodoro on his recent appointment as the Philippines’ defense chief, US Secretary Austin emphasized the US’ commitment to working with the Philippines in modernizing the alliance as close partners in the Indo-Pacific region. It was underscored that much progress has been made between the two defense establishments within a short period of time,” he added.
Austin reiterated the US government’s support to the Philippines’ position in the South China Sea, particularly in the West Philippine Sea (WPS), as China continues its aggression in the tense waters.
According to Austin, the 1951 Mutual Defense Treaty (MDT) between the two countries “extends to public vessels to include aircraft and the coast guards anywhere in the South China Sea.”
“Secretary Teodoro welcomed the US’ commitments and looked forward to working with US counterparts on ongoing bilateral initiatives as well as pursuing other areas of cooperation,” Andolong said.
Just last June 30, three Chinese Coast Guard (CCG) vessels, two People’s Liberation Army (PLA) Navy ships, and six Chinese fishing vessels shadowed and blocked Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) ships that were supporting a resupply mission of the Philippine Navy in Ayungin Shoal, WPS.
The military’s Western Command (WesCom) also expressed alarm on the increasing number of Chinese fishing vessels at Iroquois Reef and Sabina Shoal, both in WPS.
During an aerial patrol last June 30, the WesCom spotted 48 Chinese fishing vessels swarming Iroquois Reef, and three CCG ships and PLA Navy vessels loitering at Sabina Shoal.
Teodoro and Austin also committed to work together on several defense collaborations.
These include the proposed General Security of Military Information Agreement (GSOMIA) which allows allied countries to share military intelligence; a Security Sector Assistance Roadmap to boost the modernization of the Armed Forces of the Philippines; joint patrols; and possible cooperation with other regional partners such as Japan and Australia.