United States Vice President Kamala Harris has reaffirmed their government's commitment in defending the Philippines in an event of a military attack over the contested waters of the South China Sea.
She made the statement during her courtesy call on Monday with President Ferdinand 'Bongbong' Marcos Jr.
"We are both proud members of the Indo-Pacific and in particular as it relates to the Philippines. I will say that we must reiterate always that we stand with you in defense of international rules and norms as it relates to the South China Sea," said Harris, who arrived in the country on Sunday night.
"An armed attack on the Philippine Armed Forces public vessels or aircraft in the South China Sea would invoke US mutual defense commitments. And that is an unwavering commitment that we have to the Philippines," she continued.
Harris recalled the relationship of the Philippines-United States as a "long and enduring one."
“We look forward to working with you on many of these issues, and of course, I bring you greetings from President Biden,” she said.
Harris, the first woman and first woman of color to become US vice president, is slated to visit Puerto Princesa in Palawan to meet with local fishermen, community leaders and Philippine Coast Guard (PCG).
The President, meanwhile, extended his gratitude to the commitment of US to defend the Philippines, its treaty ally, against any armed attack in the South China Sea
"I thank you for the very strong commitment that you have just made for the US to be defensive of the Philippines,” Marcos told Harris in his welcome remarks before their meeting.
Marcos welcomed the “well-established” ties between the Philippines and the US which continued to be strengthened through the years.
“Your visit is a very strong symbol that these relationships remain strong and that these relationships remain important as indeed they do. I have said many times, I do not see a future for the Philippines that does not include the United States,” he said.
“I cannot think of an area where we have not cooperated, collaborated and have had good results for both our countries,” he added.
