Amid the tension in the West Philippine Sea, the Philippines is open to all options, including the benefits from the long-time coordination of the country and the United States.
According to Department of National Defense (DND) Spokesperson Director Arsenio Andolong, the U.S. presence in the Philippine Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) points to the strong relations of the U.S. and Philippines.
“We are continuously in talks with the U.S. on the matter of mutual defense. Both parties are committed to undertake their obligations under the Mutual Defense Treaty, so that neither stands alone in these issues involving the two states’ inherent right of self-defense, individually and collectively,” he said.
Recently, a U.S. ship conducted routine operations in the South China Sea to show its commitment to their allied countries for the “Freedom of the Sea.
Report from Bea Bernardo/NGS-jlo
