Deputy Secretary Campbell’s Call with Philippine Undersecretary of Foreign Affairs Lazaro
June 17, 2024
The below is attributable to Spokesperson Matthew Miller: Deputy Secretary of State Kurt Campbell spoke today with Philippine Undersecretary of Foreign Affairs Maria Theresa Lazaro. Deputy Secretary Campbell and Undersecretary Lazaro discussed shared concerns over the People’s Republic of China’s actions on June 17, which obstructed the Philippines from executing a lawful maritime operation in the South China Sea, interfering with the Philippines’ freedom of navigation. The Deputy Secretary and Undersecretary agreed that the PRC’s actions threatened regional peace and stability.
The Deputy Secretary reaffirmed that Article IV of the 1951 United States-Philippines Mutual Defense Treaty extends to armed attacks on Philippine armed forces, public vessels, or aircraft – including those of its Coast Guard – anywhere in the South China Sea. Deputy Secretary Campbell and Undersecretary Lazaro further reiterated the importance of the United States-Philippines alliance to maintaining our shared vision for a free and open Indo-Pacific region.
