The Philippines and the United States are considering having more frequent communication amid continued aggression in the West Philippine Sea.
This developed as officials from both sides sat down to discuss developments in the waters and agreed to strengthen the alliance as their response.
The Pentagon said on Thursday, July 8 (Manila time), that US Defense Chief Lloyd Austin spoke by phone with Department of National Defense (DND) Secretary Gilbert Teodoro to discuss the importance of preserving the rights of all nations to fly, sail, and operate— safely and responsibly—wherever international law allows.
"Both officials also welcomed opportunities for frequent communication as a core part of their commitment to strengthening the U.S.-Philippines alliance in support of a free and open Indo-Pacific region," Pentagon's readout added.
Meanwhile, Gen. CQ Brown, Jr., chairman of the US Joint Chiefs of Staff, also met with Teodoro, National Security Advisor Eduardo Año, and Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) Chief of Staff Gen. Romeo Brawner, Jr. in Manila on July 16.
According to US Ambassador to Manila MaryKay Carlson, the meeting highlighted both countries' commitment to their defense ties and regional security as their alliance is "critical" to a free and open Indo-Pacific region.
During the meeting, the officials discussed ongoing efforts to strengthen the US-Philippine alliance, which includes bilateral security assistance, utilization of Enhanced Defense Cooperation Agreement (EDCA)-agreed locations, and the importance of maritime domain awareness to counter illegal, coercive, aggressive and deceptive activities.
They shared their assessments of the regional security environment, including recent events in the vicinity of Second Thomas Shoal, and the importance of maintaining a free and open Indo-Pacific, according to the US Joint Chiefs of Staff website.
"The US-Philippines Alliance has upheld peace and security in the Indo-Pacific for over 70 years with a shared vision of transparency, the rule of law, respect for sovereignty and the peaceful resolution of disputes," it added.
The meeting among the key Philippine and US officials came amid China's continued aggression in the West Philippine Sea.
Recently, Filipino and Chinese troops engaged in a clash as the latter rammed into a Philippine boat. That led to the injury of several personnel, including a dismemberment of someone's finger.