The United States remains steadfast in its commitment to defend its Indo-Pacific allies, particularly the Philippines and its lawful maritime operations in the South China Sea, and called China’s recent actions in the region ‘destabilizing.’
US National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan held a “candid, substantive, and constructive discussions” with Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi regarding bilateral, regional, and global issues, including the Indo-Pacific region and the West Philippines Sea.
In a readout published by the White House on Wednesday, Sullivan ‘expressed concern about China’s destabilizing actions against lawful Philippine maritime operations in the South China Sea.’ He underscored the importance of maintaining peace and stability in the region.
“Mr. Sullivan reaffirmed the United States’ commitment to defending its Indo-Pacific allies and expressed concern about the PRC’s destabilizing actions against lawful Philippine maritime operations in the South China Sea,” the White House said.
Washington and Beijing also “noted the importance of this strategic channel of communication over the past eighteen months and committed to maintaining high-level diplomacy and working level consultations on an ongoing basis.”
In reports published by the Chinese state media, Wang warned the US over its support to the Philippines and stressed that China will be “firmly committed” to assert its rights in the South China Sea.
“The United States must not use bilateral treaties as an excuse to undermine China’s sovereignty and territorial integrity, nor should it support or condone the Philippines’s actions of infringement,” Wang stated, as reported by broadcaster CCTV.
Among other issues, Wang urged the US to “abide by the one-China principle and the three joint communiques of China and the United States, stop arming Taiwan, and support China’s peaceful reunification.”
China’s ongoing aggression in the South China Sea, including fresh incidents of ramming and water cannoning of vessels this August, sparked concerns among US allied nations.
Japan strongly condemned “any unilateral attempts to change the status quo by force” and expressed opposition to China’s “dangerous and coercive use of Coast Guard and maritime militia vessels, as well as aircraft.”
Both the French Embassy in the Philippines and the British Ambassador to the Philippines have called for respect for international law, including the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS).
