MANILA, Philippines – United States Ambassador MaryKay Carlson reiterated Washington’s call for China to comply with the landmark 2016 arbitral award on the West Philippine Sea, giving assurances that America was ready to back its ally against attempts to push forward unlawful claims in Philippine waters.

In a forum hosted by the Department of Foreign Affairs’ Foreign Service Institute and the US embassy in Manila on Wednesday, October 26, Carlson likewise sought to demonstrate American dependability as she echoed earlier statements from US senior officials that commitments under the Philippines and US’ Mutual Defense Treaty would cover the South China Sea.

Play Video

“As your ally, we support President Marcos’ statement that the Philippines will not cede ‘even one square inch of territory,'” Carlson said.

“In the South China Sea, as allies, we stand together to oppose attempts by those who seek to advance unlawful maritime claims in the Philippine exclusive economic zone or on its continental shelf,” she added.

The US is a crucial defense partner for the Philippines, with whom security engagements form a key pillar of bilateral relations.

The two countries share at least three key military agreements, which have facilitated hundreds of military exercises, aid to modernize the Philippine military, as well as American access to select bases in the Southeast Asian country.

That partnership has advanced in recent months as the Philippines and US seek to rekindle ties under a new Marcos administration, and after former president Rodrigo Duterte had often lashed out at American officials, testing relations during his term.

Just last week, Carlson announced that the State Department has proposed allocating $100 million in foreign military financing for the Philippines as part of efforts to boost the Southeast Asian country’s defense modernization efforts. The amount, if approved, would be more than double the approximately $40 million in foreign military financing the Philippines received in 2022.

Apart from this, another $70 million in defense infrastructure spending was expected in the next two years, Carlson said on Wednesday.

‘Partner of choice’

During her speech, Carlson also sought to address concerns over the Philippines’ place in increased competition between the US and China. The geostrategic rivalry has been among the foremost concerns of countries in the region.

“The United States, the Philippines, and virtually every country in the world all seek constructive relations with the PRC (People’s Republic of China)…. Its ties with the Philippines are enhanced by close geography and a long history,” Carlson said.

She continued, “Our aim is to ensure that the Indo-Pacific remains free, open, prosperous, secure, and resilient, and we seek like-minded partners to help achieve this goal.”

Asked to comment on the impact US’ rivalry with China would have on the Philippines, Carlson asserted that Washington’s ties with Manila were “inherently valuable.”

“The US-Philippine relationship stands on its own. It is not a counterbalance,” she said.

Carlson said, “Our goal through all these efforts is to continue to be your partner of choice.” – Rappler.com