Rubio to Manalo: China’s actions in South China Sea erode regional peace
US President Donald Trump and US Secretary of State Marco Rubio are seen in this file picture during Trump’s election campaign at the J.S. Dorton Arena in Raleigh, North Carolina on November 4, 2024. (Photo by Ryan M. Kelly / AFP)
MANILA, Philippines — Top-ranking officials of the Philippines and the United States of America met on January 22 and tackled China’s dangerous maneuvers in the South China Sea.
The US Department of State, in a read-out shared with the media on Thursday, said US Secretary of State Marco Rubio spoke with Philippine Foreign Affairs chief Enrique Manalo about issues of mutual concern.
“[This includes] China’s dangerous and destabilizing actions in the South China Sea. Secretary Rubio conveyed that the PRC’s behavior undermines regional peace and stability and is inconsistent with international law,” the statement reads.
“The Secretary underscored the United States’ ironclad commitments to the Philippines under our Mutual Defense Treaty,” it notes.
READ: Rubio affirms ‘ironclad’ US commitment to Philippines
Article continues after this advertisement“The Secretaries also exchanged views on ways to advance security cooperation, expand economic ties for shared prosperity, and deepen avenues for further regional cooperation,” it adds.
Article continues after this advertisementBefore this, Manalo already disclosed in a tweet that he and Rubio also discussed the importance of the PH-US alliance for the prosperity and security of the Indo-Pacific.
He also said they also tackled the “strength” of the Philippines and the US’ bilateral political, economic, and people-to-people ties.
The meeting was held after Donald Trump was sworn back into power as the 47th president of the US.