US reiterates ‘ironclad’ commitment to Philippines amid China actions in South China Sea

June 28, 2024 - 9:54 AM
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United States Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin speaks during a news conference after a bilateral meeting with Philippines' Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana at Camp Aguinaldo military camp in Quezon City, Metro Manila, Philippines, July 30, 2021. (Rolex Dela Pena/Pool via Reuters/File Photo)

 The United States reaffirmed its commitment to the Philippines’ security amid China’s actions in the South China Sea, the White House said on Thursday after talks between the two countries’ national security advisers.

U.S. national security adviser Jake Sullivan and his Philippine counterpart, Eduardo Año, on Wednesday “discussed shared concerns over the People’s Republic of China’s dangerous and escalatory actions against the Philippines’ lawful maritime operations near Second Thomas Shoal in the South China Sea,” the White House said in a statement.

—Reporting by Susan Heavey; Editing by Doina Chiacu