F.P. Report
WASHINGTON DC: US has rejected China’s claims in the South China Sea (SCS) on Thursday.
According to the official press release of U.S. State Department, Secretary of State Antony J. Blinken spoke with Philippine Secretary of Foreign Affairs Teodoro Locsin, Jr.
During the meet up Secretary Blinken and Secretary Locsin reaffirmed that a strong U.S.-Philippine Alliance is vital to a free and open Indo-Pacific region.
Additionally, Secretary Blinken stressed the importance of the Mutual Defense Treaty for the security of both nations, and it’s clear application to armed attacks against the Philippine armed forces, public vessels, or aircraft in the Pacific, which includes the South China Sea, the statement added.
Regarding South China Sea, Secretary Blinken underscored that the United States rejects China’s maritime claims in the South China Sea to the extent they exceed the maritime zones that China is permitted to claim under international law as reflected in the 1982 Law of the Sea Convention.
In this meeting Secretary Blinken pledged to stand with Southeast Asian claimants in the face of PRC pressure.
The press release also highlighted that the two secretaries committed to continue building upon a relationship founded on shared strategic interests and history, democratic values, and strong people-to-people ties.
Nonetheless, Secretary of State Antony J. Blinken also spoke with Australian Foreign Minister Marise Payne. In this meeting, the Secretary and the Foreign Minister expressed their commitment to working together to enhance cooperation in the Indo-Pacific region between like-minded countries, the press release mentioned.
During the meeting the ministers noted the forthcoming 70th anniversary of the Australia, New Zealand, United States Security Treaty (ANZUS) in September 2021, which has served as the foundation of mutual democratic alliance and committed to strengthening the unbreakable bond between the two countries, the statement cited.
Regarding mutual challenges, Secretary Blinken emphasized the importance of cooperation, including through multilateral organizations and mechanisms like the Quad, to tackle shared challenges such as climate change, COVID-19, and global health security. The ministers also discussed the need for close coordination on mutual global foreign policy priorities promoting human rights, rule of law, and regional security, the press release mentions.
Other than this, Secretary of State Antony J. Blinken spoke with Thai Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Don Pramudwinai.
During the conversation, Secretary Blinken and Deputy Prime Minister Don reaffirmed the strength of the United States-Thailand defense alliance, reviewed global efforts to combat the COVID-19 pandemic, and discussed the importance of working together to advance our shared prosperity, security, and values across the free and open Indo Pacific region, the press release mentioned.
The Secretary and the Deputy Prime Minister agreed to continue close cooperation on a full range of bilateral and regional issues, the statement runs.
