Thomas: US stands by commitments to defense treaty

MANILA, Philippines —US Ambassador Harry Thomas took another opportunity to affirm his country’s long-standing alliance with the Philippines  on Tuesday, amid the tension in the West Philippine Sea (South China Sea) brought about by  China’s growing military assertiveness in the region.

Thomas pointed out that no less than US President Barack Obama has named the Philippines as one of four nations that would receive enhanced economic support in the coming years, including military hardware.

“We stand by our commitments under the Mutual Defense Treaty,” he said, in a measured pace, deliberately emphasizing each word, while speaking before the Management Association of the Philippines in Makati City, on Tuesday.

“Standing by your friends — that’s integrity. That’s the principle we uphold,” he added, speaking broadly about the kinds of assistance the US government has been extending to the Philippines in the fields of business, anti-corruption efforts, good governance and defense.

Adding to his comments after his speech, Thomas described the US as “an Asian nation” which has various interests around the region.

“State Secretary [Hillary] Clinton and Defense Secretary [Robert] Gates made it clear last week when they met with your outstanding Foreign Secretary [Albert] del Rosario that the United States will stand by its commitments,” he stressed.

Thomas also pointed out that the Philippines has received more military aid from the US than any other nation in Southeast Asia over the last decade and would continue to do so in the near future.