Phl, U.S. strengthen security alliance amid maritime tensions

The national security advisers of the Philippines and the United States (US) exchanged views on the regional security situation, with a particular focus on the South China Sea/West Philippine Sea (SCS/WPS), the National Security Council (NSC) said Saturday.

In a statement, NSC spokesperson Assistant Director General Jonathan Malaya said Philippine National Security Adviser Eduardo Año and US National Security Advisor Mike Waltz had a phone call on Friday, 11 April, and tackled recent developments in the Manila-Washington Alliance.

The security advisers also tackled bilateral initiatives aimed “to further accelerate the progress in this alliance.”

Malaya noted that both officials likewise underscored the importance of engaging with other like-minded partners “to ensure a free, open, and prosperous Indo-Pacific region.”

“NSA Año and NSA Waltz agreed to continue their discussion to include close coordination at the working level,” he added.

Waltz, meanwhile, reaffirmed the United States’ ironclad commitment to the Philippines — a gesture warmly welcomed by Año.