Joint Ayungin missions loom

More extensive bilateral actions between the Philippines and the United States are expected following China's growing aggression in the West Philippine Sea, or WPS.

Defense Secretary Gilbert Teodoro Jr. and US Defense Secretary Lloyd J. Austin III have agreed to "redouble" bilateral efforts amid the increasing tension in the WPS.

In a recent television interview, Teodoro said he and Austin agreed to conduct joint Philippines-US resupply missions to the BRP Sierra Madre at Ayungin Shoal.

"If it is recommended to me, and there is good basis for it, I would be obliged to agree with our Armed Forces officials… I mean, they know better than me. I just give the legal and strategic nexus for this," Teodoro said.

In a conference call over the weekend, Teodoro and Austin gave their commitment to strengthening both countries' military coordination and interoperability.

They also tackled US support for the ongoing modernization program of the Armed Forces of the Philippines.

The two defense officials also took up China's "dangerous and unlawful maneuvers" that caused collisions with Philippine resupply boats on 22 October, noting that such action "put the safety of the Philippine crew and vessels at risk."

Austin reaffirmed US support for the Philippines after the incident.

They also underlined that the Mutual Defense Treaty extends to both countries' public vessels, aircraft, and armed forces, to include the Coast Guard, anywhere in the Pacific" including the WPS.

Teodoro and Austin are set to meet in person on the sidelines of the ASEAN Defense Ministers Meeting-Plus in Jakarta, Indonesia, on 16 November.

Teodoro noted that all options are being calibrated by their respective staff.

"They will come up with the recommendations to us accordingly. But all options are open if these are within the bounds of international law and will support Philippine interests," he added.

Teodoro underscored that the US and the Philippines are "very carefully" carrying out plans to conduct joint patrols in the West Philippine Sea to prevent triggering Article 4 of the MDT.

Beijing flak brushed off 

The DND also dismissed yesterday China's denunciation of the United States' affirmation of its "ironclad" support for the Philippines after a China Coast Guard vessel deliberately collided with an Armed Forces of the Philippines-charted boat in a resupply mission to Ayungin Shoal last 22 October.

"This oft-repeated narrative of China in which it seeks bilateral talks — where it uses its leverage to muscle smaller opponents — is disingenuous. And the whole world knows the danger of entering the trap of narratives," Teodoro said.

Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Mao Ning said the US should stay away from the affairs of China and the Philippines as it is "not a party to the South China Sea issue."

Mao said the US "has no right to interfere" in the issue.