The presence of the China Coast Guard (CCG) persists despite the effort of the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) to block them and assist the four main vessels of the second civilian resupply mission of the Atin Ito Coalition to the Bajo de Masinloc or Panatag Shoal in the West Philippine Sea May 16, 2024. Maria Tan, ABS-CBN News

MANILA – United States National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan has reiterated Washington’s “ironclad” commitment to its Mutual Defense Treaty (MDT) with Manila as he discussed the recent Ayungin incident with his Philippine counterpart, Eduardo Año. 

In a statement, the White House said Sillivan and Año had a recent telephone conversation to discuss concerns over China’s “dangerous and escalatory actions against the Philippines’ lawful maritime operations” near Ayungin Shoal, internationally called Second Thomas Shoal, in the West Philippine Sea on June 17.

“Mr. Sullivan reiterated ironclad U.S. commitment to the U.S.-Philippines Mutual Defense Treaty, which extends to armed attacks on Philippine armed forces, public vessels, or aircraft—to include those of its Coast Guard—anywhere in the South China Sea,” the White House said.

Manila earlier alleged the Chinese “hijacked” the Philippines’ rotation and re-provisioning (RORE) mission, resulting in damage and severe injury of a Navy officer off Ayungin Shoal, which hosts a Philippine garrison stationed on a deliberately beached old warship.

Knives, looting, severed thumb: Philippines details fresh confrontation with China in Ayungin

Philippine officials, however, maintained it will not invoke the MDT as China’s actions cannot be classified as an armed attack.

In a separate statement, the National Security Council said Año expressed appreciation for the US continuing support and assurances of its “ironclad commitment” to the alliance.

DFA calls out China over injuries to troops, damage to boat

He also stressed Manila’s firm resolve to protect its sovereign rights in its exclusive economic zone as well as its national interest.

“The two NSAs also underscored the critical role of Manila’s transparency policy on the West Philippine Sea and the primacy of resolving disputes through peaceful means as well as upholding a rules-based international order,” part of the statemen read.

Meantime, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Mao Ning urged Washington to refrain from encouraging Manila to take provocative actions.

“The US side should stop emboldening and supporting the provocations of the Philippine side and take concrete actions to maintain peace and stability in the South China Sea,” she said in a media briefing on Friday. 

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