The escalating conflict between the Philippines and China in the South China Sea over supply issues has raised concerns about whether the Philippines will seek assistance from its treaty ally, the United States, to address the conflict. On Tuesday, the Commander of the U.S. Indo-Pacific Command, Samuel Paparo, clearly stated the U.S. position that escorting Philippine vessels in the South China Sea for supply missions is a “fully reasonable option,” but it would require negotiations between the U.S. and the Philippines.
If the U.S. and the Philippines reach an agreement for U.S. military escort for Philippine vessels in the South China Sea, it could further intensify the already tense relationship between the U.S. and China.
During a military forum organized by the Indo-Pacific Command, Paparo was asked whether the U.S. would consider providing escort for the Philippines. He responded, “Of course, in the context of negotiations, every choice in mutual defense between two sovereign nations, including escorting one ship for another, is a ‘fully reasonable option’ within the framework of the U.S.-Philippines Mutual Defense Treaty.”
Paparo’s statements provide insight into the attitude of one of the highest military commanders outside the U.S. regarding this matter.
Chief of Staff of the Philippines Armed Forces, Romeo Brawner Jr., stated that the Philippines will explore all options and available avenues, and “we will do it when we can do it ourselves.” However, if the Philippines finds itself limited in its capabilities, it will seek alternative solutions.
“This may involve not only cooperation with the United States but also with other like-minded countries,” he said.
Philippine Defense Secretary Gilberto Teodoro emphasized the need for a broader interpretation of the U.S.-Philippines defense treaty to address “dynamic and cunning adversaries.”
He added that the Philippines must establish sufficient deterrence militarily either through cooperation or independently, to show China that the Philippines is serious about protecting its sovereignty and will fight for it.
Incidents involving the Chinese Coast Guard, Navy, and suspected militia vessels frequently clash with Philippine vessels during supply missions, resulting in injuries to Philippine sailors and damage to ships. In the past week, tensions between China and the Philippines in the South China Sea have escalated, leading to a series of maritime and aerial conflicts. In a collision on August 25, the Philippines accused a Chinese vessel of ramming a Philippine Bureau of Fisheries ship delivering food, fuel, and medical supplies to fishermen. The Philippines also condemned China’s use of water cannons against the ship.
Amid the increasing frequency of conflicts, there is heightened interest in whether the Philippine government will invoke the U.S.-Philippines Mutual Defense Treaty.
The U.S. and the Philippines signed the Mutual Defense Treaty (MDT) in 1951. The treaty stipulates that both parties will take joint action in response to any armed attack on each other’s territories, military forces, vessels, or aircraft in their Pacific territories.
Defense Secretary Teodoro of the Philippines stated that China is the “biggest disruptor of peace in Southeast Asia” and called on the international community to condemn more strongly China’s aggressive actions in the South China Sea.