By Katrina Gracia Consebido
United States (US) Vice President Kamala Harris reaffirmed on Monday, Nov. 21, US’ defense commitment to the Philippines during a meeting with President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.
Harris stressed the US-Philippines ties are for the “economic prosperity of the region and our respective nations.”
“We must reiterate always that we stand with you in defense of international rules and norms as it related to the South China Sea,” Harris said.
“Armed attack on the Philippines, armed forces, public vessels or aircraft in the South China Sea would invoke US Mutual Defense commitments,” she added.
Harris said she is expecting to have a discussion with Marcos on mutual issues of the two countries including climate crisis, investments, renewable energy, job creation, and the US-Philippines bilateral relationships.
Meanwhile, Marcos said he was delighted in welcoming Harris as it was the US official’s first visit to the country.
“The relationship between our two countries is something that we both— both our countries have really come to depend upon. And the more upheavals that we are seeing, especially in the region, this partnership becomes even more important,” Marcos said.
“The situation is rapidly changing. We must evolve to be properly responsive to that situation,” he added.
Harris is also set to visit the island of Palawan as part of her three-day trip where she is expected to board a Philippine Coast Guard vessel going to the edge of South China Sea. – gb
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