According to the foreign news agency ‘AFP’, there are tensions between Washington and Beijing over the ownership of various islands in the South China Sea.
In this regard, State Department spokesman Ned Price said that the United States is committed to fulfilling its obligations under the Philippine Mutual Defense Agreement following an armed attack on the Philippine Armed Forces, civilian ships, or aircraft in the Pacific Ocean, including the South China Sea. ۔
“We have raised concerns with our ally the Philippines about the growing number of PRC naval militias near Whitson Reef,” he said, referring to China.
On March 7, more than 200 Chinese ships were spotted on the Whitson Reef, which is part of the Philippine Economic Zone.
China has rejected a weeks-old appeal from the Philippines to withdraw the ships, while the Philippines says Chinese ships have entered its economic zone illegally.
China’s relations with Taiwan are also strained. Taiwan claimed that 15 aircraft had entered its air defense zone within its territory.
State Department spokesman Ned Price expressed “concern” over China’s activities in the region, saying the United States should resist any threat or action that could jeopardize the security of the people in Taiwan or the social or economic system. Is capable
His statement came under the Taiwan Relation Act.
Under which the United States will provide assistance to Taiwan in its defense against Beijing.
Incumbent President Joe Biden has vowed a stronger defense with allies than former US President Donald Trump.
Tensions are running high between Washington and Beijing over ownership of various islands in the South China Sea, with US allies Japan and other countries claiming ownership of several islands in the region, while China also claims them.
