DFA: US obliged to defend Filipinos in Spratlys

MANILA, Philippines—The Philippines has said that US forces are obliged to help defend Filipino troops, ships or aircraft under a 1951 Mutual Defense Treaty if they come under attack in the disputed Spratly Islands in the West Philippine Sea (South China Sea).

The Department of Foreign Affairs said in a policy paper, which was seen by The Associated Press on Wednesday, that the treaty requires Washington to help defend Filipino forces if they come under attack in the Spratlys.

The potentially oil- and gas-rich Spratly Islands have long been regarded as one of Asia’s possible flashpoints for conflict. China, the Philippines and Vietnam have been trading barbs and diplomatic protests recently over overlapping territorial claims, reigniting tension.