The defense chiefs of the Philippines and the United States have committed to “redouble efforts” to strengthen coordination and interoperability of the two nations’ armed forces as well as to modernize the Philippine military.
Defense Secretary Gilbert Teodoro Jr. and US defense chief Lloyd J. Austin III made the commitment yesterday in a phone discussion on China’s growing aggressiveness in asserting its claims in the South China Sea.
The Department of National Defense said Austin also reaffirmed the “ironclad” commitment of the US to support the Philippines and the rule of law in the Indo-Pacific region amid China’s aggressive acts. “In principle, of course I agree with whatever they recommend. They are the operational units. And I am the recommendatory entity to the President,” he pointed out.
“If they are responsible at all, they should not provoke incidents which will cause us to have further escalations,” Teodoro said, referring to the Chinese. “So China’s jurisdiction in the South China Sea is only until its 200-mile exclusive economic zone. The Philippine jurisdiction is only until its 200-nautical mile exclusive economic zone and other areas where it has jurisdiction,” he said.
“This oft-repeated narrative of China of which it seeks bilateral talks where it uses its leverage to muzzle smaller opponents is already disingenuous and the whole world knows the danger of entering into the trap of this narrative.
United States Latest News, United States Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
A list of mass killings in the United States since JanuarySunStar Publishing Inc.
Read more »
US Republican senators ask Biden to hikes upport to Philippines after WPS incidentTHREE United States Republican senators urged President Biden to increase support to the Philippines following two incidents of collision between Philippines and China vessels in the West Philippine Sea (WPS).
Read more »
Blacklist International, RSG Philippines stay alive in MPL PH playoffsIt's down to four as Blacklist International and RSG Philippines survived ONIC Philippines and Smart Omega, respectively, to stay on track for a finals berth in the Mobile Legends Bang Bang Professional League Philippines (MPL Philippines) Season 12.
Read more »
Marcos tells PH military: Be ready for 'emerging threats'PRESIDENT Ferdinand Marcos Jr. on Friday told the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) to be ready to secure and defend the country from 'emerging threats' following United States' (US) 'ironclad' commitment to protect the Philippines against China.
Read more »
Marcos warns AFP of 'emerging threats'(UPDATE) PRESIDENT Ferdinand Marcos Jr. on Friday told the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) to be 'ready to defend the archipelago from emerging threats,' following the United States' 'ironclad' commitment to defend the Philippines against China's aggressive actions.
Read more »
Peru wins 2nd Miss Grand International crown, Philippines unplacedPeruvian delegate Luciana Fuster bested 68 other international delegates and emerged as the 11th Miss Grand International (MGI) winner.
Read more »