Secretary of State Antony J. Blinken spoke with Philippine Secretary of Foreign Affairs Enrique A. Manalo regarding the People’s Republic of China’s actions against the Philippines in the South China Sea, according to Spokesperson Matthew Miller.
Their discussion followed China's actions on June 17, which aimed to prevent the Philippines from conducting a lawful maritime operation in the region. "Secretary Blinken emphasized that the PRC’s actions undermine regional peace and stability," Miller stated, adding that Blinken reiterated "the United States’ ironclad commitments to the Philippines under our Mutual Defense Treaty."
The Secretaries also discussed ways to build on momentum from recent high-level bilateral engagements on issues of shared concern.
