Biden vows to protect Philippines from potential threats in South China Sea

President Joe Biden has made a bold pledge to defend the Philippines from any attack in the South China Sea, as tensions with Beijing continue to escalate. In a historic joint summit with Manila and Tokyo, Biden reiterated the United States’ unwavering commitment to its defense alliances in the region.

During the summit at the White House, Biden met with Philippines President Ferdinand Marcos and Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida, emphasizing the ironclad defense commitments to both countries. The meeting comes in the wake of repeated confrontations between Chinese and Philippine vessels in the disputed South China Sea, raising concerns of a potential wider conflict.

Biden’s pledge to defend the Philippines follows a bilateral meeting with Kishida, where the alliance between the US and Japan was upgraded, drawing strong condemnation from the Chinese government. The US president made it clear that any attack on Philippine aircraft, vessels, or armed forces in the South China Sea would invoke the mutual defense treaty between the two countries.

The summit highlighted the growing tensions in the region, with China asserting its claims over the South China Sea and engaging in provocative actions against neighboring countries. The US, Japan, and the Philippines underscored the importance of their alliance as a pillar of peace and democracy in the Asia-Pacific region, countering authoritarian actions by Beijing.

As Biden continues to strengthen alliances in the region, the joint summit marked a significant moment in addressing the challenges posed by China’s aggressive tactics. The commitment to upholding the rules-based international order and enhancing defense cooperation signals a united front against destabilizing actions in the South China Sea.