• US Secretary of State Marco Rubio emphasized America's "ironclad" support for the Philippines amid escalating tensions with China.
• Rubio condemned China's “dangerous and destabilizing actions” in the South China Sea, stressing international law violations.
• The reaffirmation of the Mutual Defense Treaty highlights the longstanding alliance between the US and the Philippines.
• Recent military exercises showcase heightened defense cooperation as both nations face growing assertiveness from China.

In his first official call as Secretary of State, Marco Rubio assured Philippine Foreign Minister Enrique Manalo of the United States' "ironclad" commitment to the defense of the Philippines, particularly in light of China's increasingly aggressive actions in the South China Sea. During the conversation held on Wednesday, Rubio characterized China's behavior as "dangerous" and "destabilizing," reiterating that such actions undermine regional peace and contradict international laws according to the U.S. State Department.

Rubio's statements come amidst a backdrop of growing tension between China and the Philippines, especially concerning territorial disputes surrounding the Scarborough Shoal, which both countries claim. The Secretary of State underscored the commitments outlined in the longstanding Mutual Defense Treaty signed in 1951, asserting that an armed attack against either country's vessels in the Pacific would invoke mutual defense mechanisms. This exchange of assurances follows Rubio's engagement with fellow leaders of the Quad—India, Japan, and Australia—where they collectively opposed any unilateral alterations to the status quo in the Indo-Pacific region.

The situation has escalated as Chinese coastguard vessels have increased their presence in disputed waters, which the Philippines has condemned as illegal and provocative. Recent military drills conducted by both Now United States forces and the Philippine Navy, alongside discussions about acquiring advanced military systems like the US Typhon missile system, indicate a strategic pivot towards strengthening bilateral military capacity in response to perceived threats from Beijing. The heightened defense cooperation aligns with Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.'s shift towards closer ties with Washington as tensions in the region rise.

China, for its part, maintains that its actions in the South China Sea are legitimate and lawful while dismissing US involvement as an unnecessary interference. As the Philippines engages in bilateral talks with the US, emphasizing the importance of their longstanding alliance, both nations appear committed to navigating the challenges posed by China's growing assertiveness in the region. The discussions are poised to bolster cooperation, enhance economic partnerships, and ensure regional stability in an increasingly competitive geopolitical landscape. For more insights, explore the full coverage on South China Morning Post and India Times.