Muling pinagtibay ng Amerika ang pangakong didepensahan ang Pilipinas sakaling atakihin o magkaroon ng military strike sa pinag-aagawang teritoryo sa South China Sea.
Pangako ito ng Amerika nang mag-courtesy call si US Vice President Kamala Harrris kay Pangulong Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. sa Palasyo ng Malakanyang.
Ayon kay Harris, matagal at matibay na ang relasyon ng Pilipinas at Amerika.
“Our relationship is based on mutual concerns about security for the region. We are both proud members of the Indo-Pacific. And in particular as it relates to the Philippines, I will say that we must reiterate always that we stand with you in defense of international rules and norms as it relates to the South China Sea. An armed attack on the Philippines armed forces, public vessels, or aircraft in the South China Sea would invoke US Mutual Defense commitments. And that is an unwavering commitment that we have to the Philippines,” pahayag ni Harris.
Nagkaroon na aniya ng maraming oportunidad ang dalawang bansa para palalimin pa ang relasyon.
“When we think about what is happening in this region, we know that there are so many opportunities for us to continue to strengthen our relationship. But the basis of our relationship is based on mutual commitments to international rules and norms, and upholding those international rules and norms in all of the ways that we know allow for again prosperity and security for our respective nations in the region,” dagdag ni Harris.
Umaasa si Harris na lalo pang lalakas ang ugnayan ng Pilipinas at Amerika sa ilalim ng administrasyong Marcos.
“So again, I will reiterate that the alliance between the United States and the Philippines is a strong one and enduring one, and only under your leadership continues to be strengthened. And we look forward to working with you on many of these issues. And I, of course, bring you greetings from President Joe Biden,” pahayag ni Harris.
Ayon sa Pangulo, ang pagbisita ni Harris ay isang malakas na simbolo na maganda ang relasyon ng dalawang bansa.
“And with the — more the upheavals that we are seeing especially in the — not only in the region, but especially in the region, this partnership becomes even more important.The situation is rapidly changing. We must evolve to be properly responsive to that situation. And so that is why it is very important that we continue to progress, that we continue to strengthen, and we — as we redefine those relationships. So your visit is a very strong symbol that this relationship remains strong, that this remains — relationships remain important as indeed they do,” pahayag ng Pangulo.