Philippine, US advisers discuss China's actions in West Philippine Sea

Philippine and US national security advisers discussed China's recent aggressive actions at Bajo de Masinloc and Escoda Shoal in the West Philippine Sea on Tuesday.

Eduardo Año and Jake Sullivan exchanged information about maritime security concerns, particularly addressing incidents involving Chinese air force jets near a Philippine Air Force aircraft over Bajo de Masinloc and Chinese coast guard vessels harassing Philippine Coast Guard ships near Escoda Shoal.

Año reaffirmed the Philippines' rights in the WPS based on international law, including the UN Convention on the Law of the Sea and the 2016 Arbitral Award.

Sullivan praised recent joint coast guard exercises between the Philippines and Vietnam and acknowledged Manila's efforts to expand maritime cooperation with other nations.

The NSCs also discussed strategic priorities for enhancing the Philippines' capabilities and modernizing the alliance, emphasizing US support for Philippine security.

Meanwhile, Solicitor General Menardo Guevarra noted that any legal action regarding these incidents must first be deliberated by the newly established National Maritime Council.