Biden hails PH 'diplomatic response' to China's coercion in SCS

Outgoing United States President Joe Biden has praised the Philippine government over its diplomatic response to China's continued coercive actions in the South China Sea.

Biden made the remark during a trilateral phone call with President Ferdinand ''Bongbong'' Marcos Jr. and Japan Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba on Monday morning. The US leader highlighted the historic progress made among the three nations, particularly in the field of maritime security.

“Since then, we’ve made historic progress in our trilateral partnership, especially in areas of maritime security, economic security, technology cooperation, and high-quality infrastructure investments … We should continue to deepen our cooperation in these areas, I believe,” Biden was quoted as saying in a statement released by the Presidential Communications Office.

“Simply put, our countries have an interest in continuing this partnership and institutionalizing our cooperation across our governments so that it is built to last. I’m optimistic that my successor will also see the value of continuing this partnership, and that it is framed the right way,” Biden added.

The Biden administration has since vowed an ironclad support to the Philippines amid China's atrocities in the resource-rich region.

Biden had expressed "serious concerns" about China's "dangerous and aggressive behavior" in the South China Sea, a conduit for more than $3 trillion of annual ship-borne commerce with various maritime disputes among China and other countries.

In a separate readout, the White House said the three leaders vowed to advance the continuing cooperation in the Indo-Pacific region.

''Together the three Leaders discussed trilateral maritime security and economic cooperation, as well as the People’s Republic of China’s dangerous and unlawful behavior in the South China Sea,'' the White House said.

''The three leaders agreed on the importance of continued coordination to advance a free and open Indo-Pacific,'' it added.

Marcos, for his part, committed to continue working with Washington and Tokyo in enhancing and deepening the trilateral relations.

The Philippines has referred to portions of the South China Sea as West Philippine Sea.

China has continued to showcase its presence in the region, with the China Coast Guard (CCG) vessel 5901, otherwise known as the “monster ship,” replacing another Chinese vessel within the Philippines’ exclusive economic zone and positioned 97 nautical miles off the coast of Zambales.

The monster ship—reputed as the largest coast guard ship in the world—was earlier spotted 54 nautical miles away from Capones Island, Zambales.

China claims "indisputable sovereignty" over the entire waters of the South China Sea, where undersea gas deposits have been discovered in several areas.

In 2016, the Philippines scored a victory against China in a landmark ruling by the Permanent Court of Arbitration. However, Beijing has ignored the decision. — RSJ, GMA Integrated News