Metro Manila, Philippines — The US proposal to escort Philippine ships in the West Philippine Sea remains an “option” that needs to be deliberated upon by the government, Defense Secretary Gibo Teodoro said on Thursday, Aug. 29.
The defense chief told a House budget hearing that any decision on the offer lies with the National Maritime Council (NMC).One option for us is available in our toolkit that we can use if necessary,” he said.He said resupply missions in the West Philippine Sea will remain a national operation.Based on the guidelines, our operational commanders have the necessary authority to execute resupply missions within their jurisdiction, with notification to the NMC,” Teodoro added.US Indo-Pacific Commander Admiral Samuel Paparo recently told reporters that the US is prepared to escort Philippine ships in response to China’s aggressive behavior in the South China Sea.“I mean, certainly, within the context of consultations,” Paparo said.The Pentagon reiterated that maritime operations in the West Philippine Sea would be led by the Philippines.The Philippines remains the lead for its operations in the South China Sea. We continue to provide significant advisory support and assist in modernizing the Philippine military.“As allies, we stand with the Philippines, especially as the PRC [People’s Republic of China] has consistently prevented them from executing lawful maritime operations,” said Pentagon Press Secretary Pat Ryder.Ryder said it is up to the Philippines to request any necessary support.Our commitment to the alliance is ironclad. Any military support would be at the request of the government of the Philippines. In that light, Admiral Paparo simply called it an option within the context of consultations,” Ryder explained.
China warns US against supporting the Philippines
On the other hand, Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi has warned US National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan against supporting the Philippines in South China Sea disputes.Sullivan is in Beijing for a three-day trip to engage with Chinese officials.The United States must not use bilateral treaties as an excuse to undermine China’s sovereignty and territorial integrity, nor should it support or condone the Philippines’ actions of infringement,” Wang told state broadcaster CCTV.
