The United States (US) has reaffirmed what it described as ironclad commitment against any effort to hamper the conduct of resupply missions to Filipino troops stationed at the Ayungin Shoal.
In a statement, the Department of National Defense (DND) said the commitment was expressed by US Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin during a phone conversation with Defense Secretary Gilbert Teodoro on Wednesday, June 26.
“Secretary Austin reaffirmed the ironclad U.S. commitment to the Philippines following dangerous actions on June 17 by the People's Republic of China (PRC) against lawful operations by the Philippines to deliver humanitarian supplies to service members stationed at the BRP Sierra Madre,” the DND statement read.
It was referring to what was described as violent intervention of Chinese Coast Guard personnel who allegedly boarded and even towed Philippine civilian vessels on a resupply mission to Philippine troops at the BRP Sierra Madre.
The mission was also aimed at transporting a Filipino soldier who needed to evacuate and seek medical attention.
The Chinese Coast Guard personnel, allegedly armed with bladed weapons, allegedly tried to grab the supply items and the incident resulted in the injury of a Filipino soldier who was reported to have lost one of his fingers.
“Secretary Austin underscored continued U.S. support for the Philippines in defending its sovereign rights, and the two officials discussed the importance of preserving the rights of all nations to fly, sail, and operate — safely and responsibly — wherever international law allows,” the DND statement read.
The DND said both Austin and Teodoro have reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening the U.S.-Philippine alliance in support of their shared vision for a free and open Indo-Pacific.
This includes “cooperation with like-minded partners and bilateral initiatives to strengthen information-sharing, enhance the capability of the Armed Forces of the Philippines, and invest in U.S. rotational force posture under the Enhanced Defense Cooperation Agreement.”