PH, US defense chiefs discuss protecting rights to fly, sail, operate under int'l law

The defense heads of the Philippines and the United States (US) have discussed safeguarding the rights of all countries to “fly, sail, and operate safely and responsibly” based on international law.

In a readout released Thursday (Manila time), Pentagon Press Secretary Major General Pat Ryder said US Defense Secretary Defense Lloyd J. Austin III and Philippine Defense Secretary Gilberto Teodoro Jr. had a phone call.

“Both officials discussed the importance of preserving the rights of all nations to fly, sail, and operate — safely and responsibly — wherever international law allows. Secretary Austin expressed ironclad U.S. support for the Philippines,” it said.

“Both officials also welcomed opportunities for frequent communication as a core part of their commitment to strengthening the U.S.-Philippines alliance in support of a free and open Indo-Pacific region,” it added.

Recently, United States Joint Chiefs of Staff chairman Air Force General Charles Q. Brown Jr. arrived in Manila to meet with Teodoro, National Security Advisor Eduardo Año, and his counterpart Armed Forces Chief General Romeo Brawner Jr.

They discussed “bilateral security assistance, utilization of Enhanced Defense Cooperation Agreement agreed locations and the importance of maritime domain awareness to counter illegal, coercive, aggressive and deceptive activities.”

The four officials also exchanged their evaluation of the security situation in the region including the violent incidents in Ayungin or Second Thomas Shoal.

Brown also toured a “US rotational access site designated as part of the EDCA.”

Signed in 2014, EDCA grants US troops access to designated Philippine military facilities, allowing them to build facilities and preposition equipment, aircraft, and vessels.

Brown is set to meet key officials in the Indo-Pacific this week to build upon US investments in partnerships throughout the region.—AOL, GMA Integrated News