Phl-US cooperation in WPS remains intact—US Navy

The United States on Friday said it will continue cooperating closely with the Philippines to maintain "a free and open" Indo-Pacific region.

"I just want to reiterate that our government has reaffirmed that a strong U.S.-Philippine alliance is vital to a free and open Indo-Pacific region and that we'll continue to partner closely with the Philippines," US Navy Captain Claudine Caluori, Mission Commander of Pacific Partnership 2023, said in a virtual interview with media.

Calouri made this statement after being asked what the US Navy's plans regarding cooperation with the Philippine Navy in the South China Sea, particularly since the tension between China and the Philippines over the waters off Scarborough (Second Thomas) Shoal in the West Philippine Sea is increasing.

"I know you're aware that for more than 70 years the US Navy has maintained a persistent maritime presence in the Indo-Pacific," she said.

"The US Navy and the US Indo-Pacific Command are committed to continuing its forward presence, which is focused on stability and regional cooperation and economic prosperity for all nations," she added.

Beijing has vast claims over the entire SCS through its "Nine-Dashed Line" map, which overlaps Manila's territorial claims in the WPS.

The US has been condemning China's use of military and economic coercion "to bully its neighbors, advance unlawful maritime claims, threaten maritime shipping lanes, and destabilize territory" in SCS.

Such aggressive assertions from China prompted the US to stand with its Southeast Asian allies and partners "to champion a free and open Indo-Pacific."

Calouri said the US will continue to fly, sail, and operate safely and responsibly wherever international law allows them.

"The U.S. Indo-Pacific Command and the Joint Force, remain dedicated to a free and open Indo-Pacific region and we expect all countries in the Indo-Pacific to operate in international waters safely and in accordance with international law," she added.