US supports PH-China agreement to ease tensions in the West Philippine Sea

NEW YORK – The United States government welcomes the decision of the Philippine government to engage in an agreement with China for peaceful and diplomatic negotiations regarding the issue on the West Philippine Sea, said US Assistant Secretary of State for East Asian and Pacific Affairs Daniel Kritenbrink.

"We welcome the announcement and the diplomatic efforts to de-escalate tensions in the South China Sea. This is a matter of Philippine sovereignty. The Philippines has taken the lead on all issues related to Second Thomas Shoal and has conducted diplomacy with the PRC (People's Republic of China)," said Kritenbrink.

"Our role has been to continue supporting our Filipino allies, advocating for respect for international law, the peaceful resolution of disputes, and maintaining the status quo at Second Thomas Shoal, which has been in place since 1999," he added.

Kritenbrink also underscored the US' support for "international law, freedom of navigation, and the peaceful resolution of disputes."

"I also want to underscore America's ironclad commitments to our Filipino allies under the Mutual Defense Treaty," Kritenbrink told reporters during an on-the-record teleconference with the media, including GMA Integrated News.

Kritenbrink's statement is in connection to the scheduled trip and meetings of US Secretary of State Antony Blinken with the countries of Laos, Japan, Singapore, Mongolia, and the Philippines.

The aim of Blinken's trip is to strengthen security in the Indo-Pacific region.

"I believe the message the Secretary will convey to the region is that America is fully committed to the Indo-Pacific. From day one of this administration, we have significantly and dramatically increased our engagement. We have strengthened our allied and partner relationships across the region,” Kritenbrink added. — BAP/KG, GMA Integrated News