US, Philippines discuss Chinese activities in West Philippine Sea

During a call on Wednesday, US National Security Adviser Jake Sullivan and Philippine counterpart Hermogenes Esperon discussed shared concerns over Chinese activities in the West Philippine Sea.

Sullivan reiterated that the Mutual Defense Treaty between the US and Philippines covers the South China Sea and emphasized the US's commitment to upholding maritime order there.

The two officials agreed to continue coordinating closely on challenges in the South China Sea, specifically mentioning Chinese activities at Julian Felipe Reef (Whitsun Reef) where hundreds of Chinese boats are present within the Philippine exclusive economic zone.