US Support for Philippines Amid South China Sea Tensions

US Statements on China and the Philippines Since 2016 as of 19 October 2024

The United States has consistently voiced support for the Philippines and its sovereign rights in the South China Sea, particularly since the 2016 Permanent Court of Arbitration ruling in favor of the Philippines. Here’s a timeline of key US statements:

2016:

• July 12: The US Department of State welcomed the PCA ruling and called on China to abide by its obligations under international law.
• July 22: US President Barack Obama reaffirmed the US-Philippines alliance and pledged to assist the Philippines in defending its sovereign rights.

2017:

• January 19: US Secretary of State Rex Tillerson reiterated US support for the Philippines and criticized China’s actions in the South China Sea.
• April 27: US Defense Secretary James Mattis visited the Philippines and reaffirmed the US commitment to the defense of the Philippines.

2018:

• February 20: US Vice President Mike Pence delivered a speech in Singapore, condemning China’s “bullying” behavior in the South China Sea.
• April 24: US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo visited the Philippines and reaffirmed US support for the Philippines’ maritime claims.

2019:

• February 12: US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo visited the Philippines and reiterated US support for the Philippines’ maritime claims.
• August 6: US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo condemned China’s militarization of the South China Sea and called for a rules-based order in the region.

2020:

• January 20: US President Donald Trump visited the Philippines and reaffirmed US support for the Philippines’ maritime claims.
• July 17: US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo condemned China’s “bullying” behavior in the South China Sea and called for a rules-based order in the region.

2021:

• March 25: US Secretary of State Antony Blinken visited the Philippines and reaffirmed US support for the Philippines’ maritime claims.
• August 25: US Secretary of State Antony Blinken condemned China’s “bullying” behavior in the South China Sea and called for a rules-based order in the region.

2022:

• February 4: US Secretary of State Antony Blinken visited the Philippines and reaffirmed US support for the Philippines’ maritime claims.
• May 10: US Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin visited the Philippines and reaffirmed US support for the Philippines’ maritime claims.

2023:

• January 10: US Secretary of State Antony Blinken visited the Philippines and reaffirmed US support for the Philippines’ maritime claims.
• February 2: US Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin visited the Philippines and reaffirmed US support for the Philippines’ maritime claims.

These statements consistently highlight US support for the Philippines, its sovereign rights, and the importance of a rules-based order in the South China Sea. The US has also conducted freedom of navigation operations in the region to challenge China’s excessive maritime claims.