Deputy Secretary Kurt Campbell spoke today with Philippines Under Secretary for Foreign Affairs Maria Theresa Lazaro. Deputy Secretary Campbell and Deputy Secretary Lazaro discussed shared concerns over the People’s Republic of China’s egregious and irresponsible actions on June 17 that prevented the Philippines from conducting legitimate maritime operations in the South China Sea, thereby impeding the Philippines’ freedom of navigation. The Deputy Secretary and Under Secretary agreed that the PRC’s dangerous actions threaten regional peace and stability.
The Deputy Secretary reaffirmed that Article IV of the United States-Philippines Mutual Defense Treaty of 1951 extends to armed attacks on Philippine armed forces, public vessels, or aircraft – including vessels of its Coast Guard – anywhere in the South China Sea. Deputy Secretary Campbell and Under Secretary Lazaro reiterated the vital importance of the United States-Philippines Alliance in maintaining our shared vision for a free and open Indo-Pacific region.
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