PH, US diplomats meet to boost alliance, counter China

Philippine Foreign Affairs Secretary Enrique Manalo and US Secretary of State Marco Rubio met in Washington D.C. to strengthen the US-Philippines alliance, counter China's actions in the South China Sea, and boost economic cooperation.

The two top diplomats committed to deepening their cooperation in countering China's destabilizing activities in the disputed waters.

Both officials emphasized their firm stance on upholding international law and ensuring freedom of navigation in the region.

Secretary Rubio emphasized the crucial role of the US-Philippines alliance, based on the 1951 Mutual Defense Treaty, in ensuring a free and open Indo-Pacific region.

They also agreed to boost economic cooperation, aiming for mutual benefits for both American and Filipino citizens.

The meeting also explored the possibility of new projects for regional cooperation, particularly trilateral initiatives involving Japan, such as the Luzon Economic Corridor.

Both officials highlighted recent positive developments in their security relations, including plans for defense industrial cooperation and US foreign military sales.

The US Department of Defense had previously criticized China's aggressive actions in the South China Sea, such as using water cannons and causing collisions.