US reaffirms defense support for PH after latest skirmish with China in West PH Sea

The United States reaffirmed its defense pact with the Philippines after China Coast Guard (CCG) and Chinese militia vessels rammed and water cannoned a Philippine Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) vessel near the Pag-asa Island over the weekend.

- By RAYMUND ANTONIO and MARTIN SADONGDONG

“The United States reaffirms Article IV of the 1951 United States-Philippines Mutual Defense Treaty (MDT) extends to armed attacks on Philippine armed forces, public vessels, or aircraft — including those of its Coast Guard — anywhere in the South China Sea,” Thomas Pigott, US State Department Principal Deputy Spokesperson, said ina statement on Tuesday, Oct. 14.

Signed in 1951, the MDT is a defense agreement that states the activation of US’ defense in case of an armed attack on Philippine territory and waters.

Condemning China’s recent actions, Pigott said the US stands with the Philippines “as they confront China’s dangerous actions which undermine regional stability.”

“China’s sweeping territorial and maritime claims in the South China Sea and its increasingly coercive actions to advance them at the expense of its neighbors continue to undermine regional stability and fly in the face of its prior commitments to resolve disputes peacefully,” he added.