Manila and the United States are bound by the 1951 Mutual Defence Treaty (MDT) to help each other in times of external aggression. The recent clash in the South China Sea has raised tensions between the Philippines and China, with Chinese coastguards accused of violating maritime laws and Philippine sovereignty.
Despite the incident, the Philippines remains committed to upholding the rule of law and regional stability. The US has reaffirmed its commitment to defend its ally, the Philippines, in case of armed attacks.
US Vice-President Kamala Harris has expressed support for the Philippines, emphasizing the importance of regional stability. However, analysts warn that military escalation could lead to a wider conflict in the Indo-Pacific region.
Amidst growing tensions, diplomatic solutions are urged to prevent further escalation. Both Manila and Beijing need to engage in negotiations to avoid crossing dangerous red lines that could lead to armed conflict.