PRESIDENT Barack Obama said on Tuesday (November 17) the United States was committed to the freedom of navigation in Asian waters, but did not directly mention the row with China over the South China Sea.
Speaking in the Philippines capital Manila after touring an American-donated coastguard cutter, he said: “My visit here underscores our shared commitment to the security of the waters of this region and to freedom of navigation.”
“The United States has been committed to the security of this region for more than 70 years, we have a treaty obligation, an ironclad commitment to the defense of our ally the Philippines, who can count on the United States,” Obama said after touring the BRP Gregorio del Pilar and greeting Filipino sailors.
Obama made a commitment to give more support to the Philippines by transferring more vessels that will aid the Philippine navy in its navigation of the Philippine waters, and by increasing maritime security assistance.
“This watch center was built with US grants, the ship that I just toured, a former US coastguard vessel, helps the Philippines respond to disasters, perform counter-terrorism missions and patrol the South China Sea. Today I can announce that we intend to transfer two additional ships to the Philippine navy, a research vessel to help map its territorial waters and another US coastguard cutter to bolster the navy’s ability to conduct long-endurance patrols. It’s part of larger plan to increase maritime security assistance to our allies and our partners across the region, $250 million over the course of two years,” the US President said.
“More capable navies and partnership with the United States are critical to the security of this region. I want to thank once again the members of the Philippine armed forces for their outstanding work and Mr. Secretary, I can tell you that after inspection, your ship looks like it is in tip-top shape,” he added.
Obama is in Manila to attend the annual Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation summit. (With a report from Reuters)