National security advisors of the Philippines and the United States have discussed what they described as China’s deliberate collision with two Filipino vessels in the West Philippine Sea.
National Security Advisor (NSA) Eduardo Año spoke by phone with his US counterpart, Jake Sullivan, on Aug. 20, a day after Beijing harassed Philippine troops in Escoda Shoal, the US Embassy in Manila said Thursday.
The incident that occurred well within the Philippine exclusive economic zone (EEZ) caused damages to Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) ships BRP Bagacay and Cape Engaño.
That prompted Sullivan to review Manila and Washington’s current alliance that was further bolstered by the recent announcement of $500 million in US Foreign Military Financing to the Philippines.
The initiative, announced by Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin and State Secretary Antony Blinken during their recent visit to Manila, will help modernize the Philippine armed forces and coast guard.
“Mr. Sullivan and Mr. Año discussed how this additional security assistance can bolster U.S.-Philippines cooperation in support of international maritime law in the South China Sea,” a White House statement read.
Sullivan reiterated Washington’s defense commitment to the Philippines as he condemned Beijing’s action.
“Mr. Sullivan reiterated the ironclad U.S. commitment to the U.S.-Philippines Mutual Defense Treaty, which extends to armed attacks on Philippine armed forces, public vessels, or aircraft—to include those of its Coast Guard—anywhere in the South China Sea,” the statement added.