U.S. pledges support to Philippines, as latter’s dispute with China, Taiwan continues
0 0
Google +0 0 Digg0
Fourth Estate Cooperative Staff
Singapore city, Singapore (4E) – Amid an ongoing territorial dispute between the Philippines and China over the South China Sea, the United States on Saturday pledged to help defend its former colony in case of external attacks as part of a defense treaty it signed with Manila in 1951.
Pentagon Chief Chuck Hagel made the announcement during his meeting with his Philippine counterpart Voltaire Gazmin in Singapore where the two ministers are attending an annual security forum.
Besides its row with China, former American colony, the Philippines, is also at odds with Taiwan over killing of a Taiwanese fisherman near its sea border.
“Secretary Hagel emphasised the importance of the Philippines as a treaty ally and reaffirmed the United States commitment to the Mutual Defense Treaty,” Pentagon spokesman George Little told journalists.
“Hagel stressed the importance of maintaining freedom of navigation in the region,” he added.
“Both defense chiefs also discussed deepening bilateral defense cooperation including work towards increasing rotational presence of US forces in (the) Philippines to address common challenges”, Little said.
Say Something...
Enjoyed this post? Please share! |
| 0 0 Google+0 Redit0 22 |
Filed in: News
No comments:
Post a Comment