Teodoro, US defense chief commit to ‘redouble bilateral efforts’ amid heightened WPS tensions

Philippines Defense Secretary Gilberto Teodoro Jr. and United Defense Secretary Lloyd J. Austin III have agreed to "redouble" their bilateral efforts amid increasing tensions in the West Philippines Sea due to China's growing aggression in asserting its sweeping claims over the South China Sea. 

Teodoro and Austin made their commitment in a conference call over the weekend, where they also discussed further strengthening the coordination and interoperability of the two countries' armed forces.

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

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

Austin reiterated US support for the Philippines in the wake of the incident.

The two also reaffirmed that the Mutual Defense Treaty extends to both countries' public vessels, aircraft and armed forces – including the Coast Guard – anywhere in the Pacific" and covering the SCS.
 
Teodoro and Austin are set to meet in person in Jakarta, Indonesia on 16 November on the sidelines of the ASEAN Defense Ministers' Meeting-Plus.

In a separate interview over CNN's The Source, Teodoro said they are eyeing the conduct of joint Philippines-US resupply missions to BRP Sierra Madre in Ayungin Shoal, and that such options are being calibrated by the two countries' respective armed forces. 

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

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