US senator backs PH in maritime dispute with China

This frame grab from aerial video footage taken and released on March 23, 2024, by the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) shows a China Coast Guard ship and vessels identified by PCG as “Chinese Maritime Militia” (left and right) surrounding the PCG ship BRP Cabra during its supply mission near Ayungin (Second Thomas) Shoal in the West Philippine Sea. (Photo by AFP/PCG)

MANILA, Philippines — A United States (US) senator on Tuesday reiterated her country’s support for the Philippines which is in the middle of territorial disputes with China. 

In a courtesy call in Malacañan Palace, President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. met with several lawmakers, including US Senator Kirsten Gillibrand. 

“We share your concern about China’s aggression with regard to many of the issues around the Philippines. We stand with you and we want to continue to stand by you, and with you, and to push that aggression back appropriately,” Gillibrand told Marcos.  

Lawmakers included in the US Congressional delegation were Senators Jeanne Shaheen, Roger Marshall, Mark Kelly, Cynthia Lummins, Michael Bennet and Representative Adriano Espaillat. 

Beijing’s recent bout of aggression left three sailors injured in an intense water cannon attack.

A Philippine vessel on a supply mission was bombarded by the Chinese Coast Guard last March 23. 

During the portion of the meeting open to the media, Marcos acknowledged geopolitical tensions but did not explicitly refer to China. 

“I’m happy, very happy to welcome all of you to the Philippines, and I hope that the time that you will spend here can be a productive time where we are able to discuss further the situation concerning the Philippines and the geopolitical complications that we are facing presently,” Marcos said.   

In March alone, several US government officials have visited the Philippines, including Secretary of State Anthony Blinken, and US Commerce Secretary Gina Raimondo.