Defense Secretary Gen. Lloyd Austin on Tuesday reaffirmed that the 72-year-old U.S.-Philippines mutual defense treaty applies to armed attacks on U.S. and Philippines armed forces, aircraft and vessels “anywhere in the South China Sea” – the crucial waterway where China is locked in territorial disputes with the Philippines and several other countries.
As Biggest-Ever US-Philippines Drills Begin, Austin Reaffirms Mutual Defense Pledge in South China Sea
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