MANILA – The United States of America reaffirmed its “ironclad” commitment to the Philippines following dangerous actions by China against Philippine vessels undergoing a routine mission to Ayungin Shoal last 17 June 2024.
In a readout provided by Pentagon Press Secretary Maj. Gen. Pat Ryder, it confirms a telephone conversation between U.S. Secretary of Defense Lloyd J. Austin III and Philippine Secretary of National Defense Gilberto Teodoro Jr. on Wednesday, 26 June 2024.
“Secretary Austin reaffirmed the ironclad U.S. commitment to the Philippines following dangerous actions on June 17 by the People's Republic of China (PRC) against lawful operations by the Philippines to deliver humanitarian supplies to service members stationed at the BRP Sierra Madre,” according to the readout.
During the phone call, both officials discussed the importance of preserving the rights of all nations to fly, sail, and operate – safely and responsible - wherever international law allows.
Secretary Austin also underscored the continues U.S. support for the Philippines in defending its sovereign rights and their commitment to strengthening the U.S.-Philippine alliance in support of their shared vision for a free and open Indo-Pacific.
Such cooperation with like-minded partners include bilateral initiatives to strengthen information-sharing, enhance the capability of the Armed Forces of the Philippines, and invest in U.S. rotational force posture under the Enhanced Defense Cooperation Agreement (EDCA).
Philippine Navy personnel suffered injuries after what the country’s military called “intentional high-speed ramming” by Chinese coast guard during a resupply mission in the South China Sea.
This resulted in a Navy personnel losing this thumb during the encounter.
