As the United States and China continue to grapple with escalating tensions, U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken has affirmed America's unwavering dedication to defending the Philippines against potential Chinese threats in the South China Sea.
During a joint news conference, Blinken expressed shared concerns between the United States and the Philippines regarding possible actions by the People's Republic of China that could undermine the sovereignty of the islands. The two nations are bound by a mutual defense treaty signed in 1951, which obligates the United States to protect the Philippines from military attacks. Despite China's claims of control and sovereignty over all of the South China Sea—a region abundant in natural resources and a channel for trillions of dollars worth of trade—Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., as reported by CNN, has strengthened his country's alliance with the United States since assuming office in 2022, frequently voicing criticism over China's activities in the South China Sea.
In response to Blinken's statements, Lin Jian, Foreign Ministry Spokesperson for the People's Republic of China, was questioned during a press conference. Jian said: "The US is not a party to the South China Sea issue and has no right to interfere in the maritime issues between China and the Philippines. The military cooperation between the US and the Philippines should not undermine China’s sovereignty and maritime rights and interests in the South China Sea, nor should it be used to support illegal claims of the Philippines. China will continue to take necessary steps to firmly safeguard its territorial sovereignty and maritime rights and interests and uphold peace and stability in the South China Sea."
According to information released by U.S. Department of State, more than 400,000 U.S. citizens currently reside in the Philippines; this population includes a significant number of U.S. military veterans. Manila houses what is considered as world's largest American military cemetery outside U.S borders. Furthermore, since 1961, the United States Agency for International Development has invested over $5 billion in the Philippines, annually contributing approximately $120 million to stimulate the Philippine economy.
