US Secretary State Pompeo: ‘We remain committed to supporting the Philippines’ in South China Sea dispute

The United States of America remains a true mutual defense treaty ally and friend. That is the core message of the one day visit of a high ranking US official.

Secretary of State Mike Pompeo on Friday has reassured the Philippine government of the United States’ support regarding the ongoing dispute in the South China Sea among different claimants.

US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo during the media during a press conference at the Department of Foreign Affairs(DFA) main office in Pasay City on Friday, March 1, 2019.

“Our commitments under that treaty (US-Philippines mutual defense treaty) are clear, our obligations are real, the South China Sea is certainly part of an important body of water for freedom of navigation,” Pompeo said in a press conference.

“We remain committed to supporting the Philippines in that effort, and the Philippines need to do its part as well, and all the countries of the region so that these incredibly vital economic sea lanes are open,” he added.

He further explains that any “armed attack” on the Philippine forces in the South China Sea “will trigger mutual defense obligations” of the US to the Philippines.

“As South China Sea is part of the Pacific, any armed attack on the Philippine forces, aircraft or public vessels in the South China Sea, will trigger mutual defense obligations under the mutual defense treaty,” Pompeo said.

The US  Secretary of State is in the country for a one day visit.

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Report from PDI