US and Philippines step up strategic partnership as China threats loom in South China Sea
Associated PressWASHINGTON — The Biden administration on Friday reassured the Philippines anew that the U.S. commitment to the country’s defense is steadfast amid increasing concerns about provocative Chinese actions in disputed areas of the South China Sea. “We attach a lot of importance to this meeting especially in light of recent developments in the South China Sea, especially China’s escalation of its harassment,” he said. He said he hoped the agreements reached Thursday “will make the safety, the peace and the stability of the South China Sea a reality.” On Thursday at the summit, Biden said the U.S. treaty obligations to its Pacific allies, like Japan and the Philippines, were “ironclad.” “Any attack on Philippine aircraft, vessels or armed forces in the South China Sea would invoke our mutual defense treaty,” Biden said. Biden’s vigorous reinforcement of the American commitment comes in the midst of persistent skirmishes between the Philippine and Chinese coast guards in the disputed South China Sea. “We firmly oppose relevant countries flexing muscles and acting like bullies in the South China Sea,” she said.