The ‘Task Force Ayungin’ assembled in the West Philippine Sea (WPS) enhances defense alliance and interoperability between the US military and Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP), enabling both parties to ensure freedom of navigation in the Indo-Pacific region.
US Embassy Press Officer Kanishka Gangopadhyay issued this statement Thursday following US Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin III’s confirmation of the existence of ‘Task Force Ayungin’ amid persistent geopolitical tensions involving the South China Sea.
“This initiative aligns with multiple lines of cooperation between US and Philippine forces, including the Mutual Defense Board-Security Engagement Board (MDB-SEB) process and the Bantay Dagat (Guardian of the Sea) framework,” Gangopadhyay explained.
Austin, who went on a two-day visit to the Philippines earlier this week, highlighted the role of ‘Task Force Ayungin’ in deepening the security alliance between Manila and Washington.
The task force underscores the strategic significance of Ayungin (Second Thomas) Shoal, which has been a focal point of contested disputes in recent months, particularly China Coast Guard’s aggression during the rotation and resupply missions (RoRe) of the Philippine Coast Guard.
The submerged reef lies about 200 kilometers (120 miles) from Palawan, which makes it legally part of the Philippines’ exclusive economic zone. China claims it despite its more than 1,000 kilometers distance from its nearest major landmass, Hainan island.
Austin reaffirmed that the task force is part of the US’ “ironclad” commitments to the Philippines, expressing deep appreciation to the enduring strength of the two nations’ alliance.
Defense cooperation between the US and the Philippines remains at the forefront of both countries’ diplomacy and the Philippines looks forward to broader engagement in that area.
“The United States remains an important ally, partner, and friend to the Philippines,” the DFA said on Wednesday, as it welcomed the congratulatory call between President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. and U.S. President-elect Donald Trump.
“We look forward to working with the Trump Administration in ensuring that PH-US relations remain robust and benefit from continuing positive momentum in security and defense cooperation, economic partnership, as well as broader and deeper engagement across other areas of mutual interest,” the DFA affirmed.
