US Secretary of State Antony Blinken has reaffirmed America’s commitment to supporting the Philippines amidst escalating tensions with China. During his visit to Manila on Tuesday, Blinken emphasized the “ironclad” security commitments of the United States to the Philippines, particularly in light of the disputes over territory in the South China Sea.
“The waters of the South China Sea are critical to the Philippines, to its security, and to its economy,” stated Blinken. “They are also vital to the interests of the region, the United States, and the world.” He made these remarks during a joint press conference with Philippine Foreign Secretary Enrique Manalo, highlighting the importance of standing by defense commitments under the mutual defense treaty.
The visit not only focuses on security issues but also emphasizes trade relations between the two countries. A senior State Department official mentioned that Blinken would discuss trade with Filipino officials, highlighting the significance of economic cooperation.
Beyond bilateral ties, the visit can be seen as an affirmation of US support for Filipino President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., who has taken a more pro-Washington stance compared to his predecessor Rodrigo Duterte, who pursued closer ties with Beijing. President Joe Biden is slated to host a summit with Marcos and Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida in April, further solidifying American support.
The maritime disputes in the South China Sea have long been a point of concern for the United States, particularly due to China’s aggressive actions. These encounters have raised fears of conflict, with tensions escalating in recent months. Blinken’s visit aims to address these concerns, stressing the importance of freedom of navigation in the South China Sea.
China’s growing regional influence and assertiveness regarding territorial claims have prompted the United States to view its maritime activities as a form of harassment directed at neighboring countries. The US has a defense treaty with the Philippines and has vowed to invoke mutual defense commitments in the event of an armed attack on Philippine vessels.
To enhance defense cooperation, Washington signed a defense agreement with Manila in 2014, allowing the US to fund the development of Philippine military bases and deploy American troops on a rotational basis. In 2023, the US secured access to four additional bases, indicating a strengthening partnership.
Beijing, however, has voiced opposition to these agreements, citing concerns regarding the proximity of some bases to Taiwan. China considers Taiwan a breakaway province and has vowed to defend it militarily, further complicating the dynamics in the region.
The Philippines’ strategic importance lies not only in its
