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US reaffirms defense pact with PH after recent China 'collision' in Ayungin
The United States reaffirmed its commitment to the Mutual Defense Treaty with the Philippines following a recent incident in the West Philippine Sea where Chinese vessels engaged in ramming and towing of Philippine ships.
US State Department Spokesperson Matthew Miller stated that armed attacks on Philippine armed forces and public vessels could trigger the Mutual Defense Treaty.
Miller condemned the actions of the People's Republic of China (PRC) vessels, describing them as dangerous, reckless, and a threat to regional peace and stability.
The incident involved PRC vessels using water cannons, ramming, blocking maneuvers, and towing damaged Philippine vessels, endangering Filipino service members.
The US statement emphasized that these actions aimed to prevent the Philippines from lawfully delivering humanitarian supplies to its service members stationed at the BRP Sierra Madre.
Philippine Undersecretary of Foreign Affairs Maria Theresa Lazaro and US Deputy Secretary of State Kurt Campbell discussed the incident during a bilateral phone call.
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Philippine Foreign Affairs Secretary Enrique Manalo and US Secretary of State Antony Blinken held discussions regarding China's recent "escalatory actions" in the West Philippine Sea.
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The national government is not keen on invoking the Philippines-United States' Mutual Defense Treaty (MDT) following China's aggressive actions during a resupply mission in Ayungin Shoal.
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Defense Secretary Gibo Teodoro stated that the Chinese harassment of a June 17 resupply mission to Ayungin Shoal was not a misunderstanding or accident, but a deliberate and illegal use of force intended to prevent the Philippines from completing its mission.
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The Philippines' task force on the West Philippine Sea has accused Chinese vessels of engaging in dangerous maneuvers, including ramming and towing, against Filipino boats during a routine resupply mission at the Ayungin Shoal.
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The Philippines, through its Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA), has condemned China's recent aggressive actions near Ayungin Shoal, which resulted in injuries and vessel damage during a resupply mission.
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