The United States will continue to assert “freedom of navigation” in the disputed South China Sea despite China’s latest pronouncement that it cannot give up “even one inch” of its territory, an official says.
US Ambassador to Philippines Sung Kim said Washington’s position on the South China Sea issue will not change, particularly its exercise of freedom of navigation as a way of protecting international law and principles.
“The South China Sea situation has always been complicated. Our position has been very clear,” Kim said during the US Embassy’s celebration of the United States’ 242nd Independence Day on Tuesday night in Makati City.
“We believe that all countries should act according to international law and principles. We believe that freedom of navigation is an important way to protect our international rights and principles. Our position has not changed and I don’t expect that to change.”
Kim said the three visits of US carriers in the South China Sea this year “send an important signal that we care about developments in this region, we care about developments in the South ChinaSeaa.”
Chinese President Xi Jinping said China was committed to peace but could not give up “even an inch of the territory left behind by our ancestors.”
Xi made the statement during the visit of US Defense Secretary Jim Mattis to China last week.
Meanwhile, Kim said US-Philippine relations were “exciting and meaningful” due to their cooperation and partnership.
“Our economic partnership continues to be very strong,” Kim said.
“I want to make sure that our relationship continues to grow in all aspects, in our trade relationship and our robust security partnership as well as in culture, sports and people-to-people exchanges.”
Kim said the bilateral ties between the two countries were becoming more vibrant following President Donald Trump’s visit to the Philippines in November last year.
“We welcome the Philippines’ interest in future agreement with us,” Kim said.
“President Trump had a wonderful visit to the Philippines in November. I think the relationship is in great shape and future relations look very bright.”
Still, the relations between Manila and Washington became strained after President Rodrigo Duterte adopted an “independent foreign policy,” steering the Philippines closer to China and Russia and distancing itself from the US, its traditional ally.
However, recent developments have shown an improvement in bilateral ties, particularly after the US played a vital role in defeating the terrorists who attacked Marawi City.
Kim said Trump had already invited Duterte to visit Washington and “I think it’s just a question of scheduling as to when President Duterte will visit the United States.”