The US has reaffirmed its pledge that the US-Philippine Mutual Defense Treaty applies to attacks on Philippine vessels in the South China Sea after the Philippine and Chinese coast guards collided in the disputed waters.
The Chinese and Philippine vessels collided on Monday near Sabina Shoal, which is part of the Spratly Island and claimed by China, the Philippines, Vietnam, and Taiwan. Both sides accused the other of purposely causing the collision.
In a phone call with his Philippine counterpart on Tuesday, National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan backed Manila’s side of the story. “Mr. Sullivan also condemned the People’s Republic of China’s deliberate collision with two Philippine Coast Guard vessels operating lawfully near Sabina Shoal in the Philippines’ exclusive economic zone on August 19,” the White House said in a readout of the call.
“Mr. Sullivan reiterated the ironclad US commitment to the US-Philippines Mutual Defense Treaty, which extends to armed attacks on Philippine armed forces, public vessels, or aircraft—to include those of its Coast Guard—anywhere in the South China Sea,” the readout added.
The pledge about the Mutual Defense Treaty means the US is promising Manila that it would intervene to defend the Philippines if its maritime dispute with China turns into a shooting war. China has said that the US is instigating things in the South China Sea by providing such strong support for the Philippines.
The latest collision came just a few weeks after China and the Philippines said they reached an agreement to ease tensions around Second Thomas Shoal, which is about 35 miles west of the Sabina Shoal and has been the site of frequent collisions. But Manila and Beijing have disputed the details of the agreement, which have not been made public.
After China and the Philippines reached the deal, Secretary of State Antony Blinken and Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin visited Manila and promised $500 million in new military aid, which came out of the $95 billion foreign military aid bill President Biden signed into law in April. The White House said Sullivan discussed the new military aid with the Philippines’ national security advisor, Eduardo M. Año.
“Mr. Sullivan and Mr. Año discussed the continued historic momentum in the US-Philippines Alliance, including the recent announcement of $500 million in US Foreign Military Financing from the FY 2024 Indo-Pacific Security Supplemental Appropriations Act, which, working with the US Congress, will help modernize the Philippine armed forces and coast guard,” the White House said.
“Mr. Sullivan and Mr. Año discussed how this additional security assistance can bolster US-Philippines cooperation in support of international maritime law in the South China Sea,” the readout added.
Is this Ironclad or Cottonclad…?!
This question begs to be asked….Is the US seeking a larger conflict?….
Is the Sun a bit more than mildly-warm at its surface ?
At least the Americans aren't pulling an "Arabian Gulf" stunt again and referring to the South China Sea as the "North Philippine Sea".
Old habits die hard…! Pretty soon you may see that…!
West Philippine Sea is the official designation by the government of the Philippines to the parts of the South China Sea that are included in the country's exclusive economic zone.
Yes, and maps in Ecuadorian grade schools show a big chunk of the Upper Amazon as being in Ecuador. There's claims by governments, and then there's reality. Don't confuse the two.
re: $500 million
news:
Jul 26 — Austin heads to Asia with $500M for the Philippines
Jul 30, 2024 — U.S. Pledges $500 Million in New Military Aid to the Philippines, as China Asserts Sea Claims
July 31, 2024 — US Announces $500 Million in Military Funding for the Philippines
Aug 19, 2024 – from Philippines — "No $500 million coming"
Sep 30, 2024 — The 2024 fiscal year ends.
H.R.8036 – Indo-Pacific Security Supplemental Appropriations Act, 2024
The House passed the bill Apr 20, the Senate not.
The stupid in D.C. spreads far and wide…………….
Who, pray tell, are they protecting the Philippines from? China has no ability to move the sort of troops which would be necessary to invade, even if every other country in the region stood down and let them do what they want (not bloody likely). You can't get there from here.
re: "Mr. Sullivan reiterated the ironclad U.S. commitment to the U.S.-Philippines Mutual Defense Treaty, which extends to armed attacks on Philippine armed forces, public vessels, or aircraft—to include those of its Coast Guard—anywhere in the South China Sea."
Defense treaty
Articles IV and V of the 1951 US-Philippines Mutual Defense Treaty
ARTICLE IV
Each Party recognizes that an armed attack in the Pacific Area on either of the Parties would be dangerous to its own peace and safety and declares that it would act to meet the common dangers in accordance with its constitutional processes.
Any such armed attack and all measures taken as a result thereof shall be immediately reported to the Security Council of the United Nations. Such measures shall be terminated when the Security Council has taken the measures necessary to restore and maintain international peace and security.
ARTICLE V
For the purpose of Article IV, an armed attack on either of the Parties is deemed to include an armed attack on the metropolitan territory of either of the Parties, or on the island territories under its jurisdiction in the Pacific or on its armed forces, public vessels or aircraft in the Pacific.
https://avalon.law.yale.edu/20th_century/phil001.asp
That would be amazing, if the Pentagon observed the Constitution.
Article I, Section 8, Clause 11: [The Congress shall have Power . . . ] To declare War, grant Letters of Marque and Reprisal, and make Rules concerning Captures on Land and Water; . . .