In a display of growing concern over China's aggressive tactics, the President
of the Philippines, Ferdinand Marcos Jr, has met with his US counterpart, Joe
Biden, during a four-day US tour. The US has been vocal in its support of the
Philippines against China's recent actions, stating that an attack on Philippine
security forces or a public vessel would "invoke US mutual defence commitments."
The meeting between the two leaders focused on the security situation in the
South China Sea, where China has increased its expansionist activities, despite
international court rulings that its claim has no legal basis. The Philippines
has filed numerous diplomatic protests against China since last year, relying on
the US and Japan to build up their deterrence
capabilities.
While China's foreign minister has said that his country is willing to work
with the Philippines to resolve differences, Beijing is concerned about the
deepening US-Philippines relationship and the risks involved, and is trying to
deter Manila from continuing to pursue a firmer approach in the South China Sea. |