The secretary of state seeks to reassure Manila, a long-standing ally, amid Chinese moves in the contested waters.
By Regine Cabato and Regine Cabato Email Bio Shibani Mahtani Shibani Mahtani Reporter covering Southeast Asia Email Bio Follow February 28 at 11:57 PM MANILA — Secretary of State Mike Pompeo said Friday that any attack on Philippine aircraft or ships in the South China Sea will trigger a response from the United States under a mutual defense treaty between the two countries, a firm assurance to its longtime ally amid rising Chinese militarization in the contested waters.
The article spells out that the Philippines and the United States would come to each other’s defense if either is attacked, as such an attack on either party would “be dangerous to its own peace and safety.” Pompeo, who is making his first trip to Manila as secretary of state, met with Duterte as well as Philippine Foreign Secretary Teddy Locsin.
A report earlier this month from the Asia Maritime Transparency Initiative , run by the Center for Strategic and International Studies, found that China had sent a large fleet of almost 100 ships to stop construction work by the Philippines on an island in the disputed Spratly chain.
Canada Latest News, Canada Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
Pompeo assures Philippines of U.S. protection in event of sea conflictU.S. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo on Friday assured the Philippines it would b...
Read more »
Pompeo says world should have eyes wide open about Chinese tech risksU.S Secretary of State Mike Pompeo said on Friday that the world should be "...
Read more »
Pompeo: US to make sure China can't blockade South China SeaMANILA, Philippines (AP) — U.S. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo says the United States is committed to ensuring the South China Sea remains open to all kinds of navigation and that 'China does not...
Read more »
Pompeo says North Korea not clear on scope of closing Yongbyon facilityU.S. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo said on Friday that North Korea had asked fo...
Read more »
Pompeo says more U.S-North Korea meetings possible, but no plansU.S. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo said on Thursday that the United States and ...
Read more »