The United States President Joe Biden has reassured the Philippines' President Rodrigo Duterte that Washington's commitment to defend the Southeast Asian country remains "ironclad", amid growing tensions with China in the disputed South China Sea.
The conversation between the two leaders came after Manila filed a diplomatic protest over what it said was the illegal presence of Chinese vessels in the waters, which is claimed by both countries.
Philippines' protests
The Philippines' Department of Foreign Affairs said in a statement that it had "repeatedly protested" the unauthorised presence of Chinese vessels in the country's Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) since March.
It added that the "incessant deployment, prolonged presence, and illegal activities of Chinese maritime assets in Philippine maritime zones" have "violated the Philippines' sovereignty, sovereign rights, and jurisdiction."
Biden's reassurance
In a phone call with Duterte on 16 April, Biden reaffirmed the US' "longstanding" treaty alliance with the Philippines and its commitment to "defend the Philippines against armed attack in the South China Sea".
The two leaders also discussed the Covid-19 pandemic and the global economic recovery.
US-China tensions
The US has been increasingly concerned about China's territorial claims in the South China Sea, where it has built military bases on artificial islands.
Washington has been sending Navy warships to assert freedom of navigation rights in the disputed waters, prompting warnings from Beijing.
Philippines-China relations
The Philippines has sought to balance its relations with the US and China, two major powers that have been jostling for influence in the region.
The country has been seeking to strengthen economic ties with China while maintaining its security alliance with the US.
However, tensions between Manila and Beijing have been rising over the South China Sea dispute.
Conclusion
The US' reassurance to the Philippines comes at a time when tensions between Manila and Beijing are on the rise.
Washington has been expressing concern over China's territorial claims in the South China Sea, and has been sending Navy warships to assert freedom of navigation rights.
The Philippines, for its part, has been seeking to balance its relations with the US and China, but has been complaining about the presence of Chinese vessels in its waters.
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