US promises to defend the Philippines from ‘armed attack’ in South China Sea, as Manila mulls review of defence treaty
- Secretary of State Mike Pompeo made the pledge after meeting Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte
- His statement angered Beijing, which views US activity in the disputed waters as a violation of its sovereignty
Pompeo, after a meeting with Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte in Manila, said the country depended on “free and unobstructed access to the seas” as it was an island nation.
“China’s island-building and military activities in the South China Sea threatens your sovereignty, your security and therefore your economic livelihood.
“As the South China Sea is part of the Pacific, any armed attack on Philippine forces, aircraft or public vessels in the South China Sea would trigger mutual defence obligations under Article IV of our Mutual Defence Treaty,” the former CIA director said.
Lu, in comments to reporters, hit back by pointing out that Southeast Asian countries and China were already working towards an agreement to mitigate tensions in the disputed waters. The South China Sea includes one of the world’s most important shipping lanes and is believed to be rich in mineral and marine resources.