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US defense chief assures support after China's water cannon attack
US defense chief assures support after China's water cannon attack
Defense chiefs of the Philippines and the US have talked by phone to discuss the recent water cannon attack perpetrated by the Chinese Coast Guard against Philippine personnel in the West Philippine Sea.
A readout provided by the Pentagon said Philippine Department of National Defense chief Gilbert Teodoro was assured by his US counterpart, Lloyd Austin III, of Washington's commitment in supporting the Philippine troops and to redouble both countries' training and interoperability.
Their interaction that was held on Tuesday (US time) came as China once again stood by its illegal claim over the West Philippine Sea, justified its dangerous action against Philippine personnel, demanded the Philippine to remove its military vessel and accused the US of sowing discord in the region.
"The Secretaries discussed recent events in the South China Sea, including PRC efforts to obstruct the Philippine resupply mission to Second Thomas Shoal on August 5, 2023," the Pentagon said.
"Secretary Austin condemned the China Coast Guard's use of water cannons and other dangerous maneuvers, which put the safety of Philippine vessels and crew at risk," it added.
Austin also joined a number of countries that are already concerned about China's activities in the waters, which undermine the status quo.
China's neighbors, Japan and South Korea, as well as other nations, such as New Zealand, Australia, France, Germany, Canada, the United Kingdom and the European Union, deplored the recent incident.
Teodoro and Austin also brought up the Mutual Defense Treaty (MDT) during their discussion as they vowed to uphold rules-based order. The US said it would continue supporting the Philippines' right to conduct lawful maritime activities, consistent with the 2016 Arbitral Tribunal Ruling.
"Secretary Austin reaffirmed that the Mutual Defense Treaty extends to Philippine public vessels, aircraft, and armed forces—to include those of its Coast Guard—in the Pacific, including in the South China Sea," the Pentagon said.
Both defense chiefs are also planning to meet-in person anytime soon to show proof that the Philippines and the US "stand shoulder-to-shoulder as allies to bring security, prosperity, and stability to the Indo-Pacific region and beyond."