Philippine Defense Secretary Gilberto Teodoro and his US counterpart Lloyd Austin have agreed to boost coordination amid China’s recent escalation of activities in the South China Sea.
They spoke over the phone on Wednesday and discussed what they call “coercive and unlawful actions” made by China over the weekend.
They agreed to bolster coordination with other likeminded partners to enhance interoperability and accelerate the modernization of the Philippines Armed Forces.
On Sunday, Chinese Coast Guard ships fired water cannons and rammed Philippine military resupply boats near Second Thomas Shoal.
A similar incident took place on Saturday near Scarborough Shoal. Chinese coast guard ships fired water cannons several times at three Philippine vessels.
Manila says both shoals are within its exclusive economic zone.
But China claims it has sovereign rights in almost all of the South China Sea. Beijing accuses Manila of seriously violating these rights.
Austin affirmed US support for the Philippines in defending its sovereign rights in accordance with international law. He stressed Washington’s commitment to the Philippines remains ironclad.
