‘US won’t allow China to control South China Sea’ — DND

The United States will maintain its presence in the South China Sea through its air and naval patrols to ensure that freedom of navigation is implemented.

This was discussed in the “two plus two” meeting between defense and foreign affairs officials of the Philippines and the US in Washington on Tuesday, Department of National Defense spokesman Dr. Peter Paul Galvez said in a statement on Thursday.

The South China Sea issue was “extensively” discussed in the meeting, wherein the US reiterated its “ironclad” commitment to the Philippines.

“The US emphasized that it will not allow China to control the South China Sea….It committed to maintain presence in the South China Sea to include naval, sub-sea, air and special forces,” Galvez said.

China has built artificial islands in seven reefs in the disputed waterway, causing tensions with its neighboring countries including the Philippines.

Recent test flights by China at Fiery Cross Reef also sparked tensions in the region. The Philippines has also filed a protest over these “provocative actions.”

READ: PH files diplomatic protest vs China over test flights

Galvez said that both sides agreed that maritime security and maritime domain awareness have to rise high on the agenda in PH-US strategic engagement.

The two countries also agreed the usefulness of multilateral cooperation in addressing security challenges and agreed to explore the possibility of participation of other partners such as Japan and Australia in Philippine-US exercises.

The US, meanwhile, also conveyed its commitment to the Armed Forces of the Philippines’ modernization program.

In a joint statement of the two countries released after the meeting, it was mentioned that the Philippines will get its third high-endurance cutter and research vessel this year.

READ: Obama to give PH another warship plus research vessel

These vessels were promised by US President Barack Obama during his visit to the Philippines last November.

Both countries welcomed the Supreme Court’s declaration of the Enhanced Defense Cooperation Agreement as constitutional. This will allow more US troops to be stationed in the Philippines and equipment to be stored in military bases.

READ: DND, AFP: Edca to increase capabilities of PH forces

The two countries also agreed to enhance military-to-military cooperation interoperability through joint exercises, capacity-building and intelligence sharing.

“The ministers acknowledged the importance of today’s discussions and committed to hold the 2+2 ministerial dialogue regularly,” the statement read. CDG

READ: U.S. welcomes PH high court EDCA ruling              

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