Visiting US Vice President Kamala Harris yesterday reaffirmed to President Marcos her country’s commitment under the 1951 Mutual Defense Treaty (MDT) to defend the Philippines in the event of an armed attack in the South China Sea. Harris, who arrived in the country Sunday night for a three-day visit, underscored that the Philippines-US relationship is based on mutual concerns over security and prosperity for the Indo-Pacific 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,” Harris told Marcos during a courtesy call at Malacañang.

Flores, H., Marcelo, E., Porcalla, D., & Lee-Brago, P. (2022, November 22). ‘US ready to defend Phl vs armed attack in SCS’. The Philippine Star, pp. 1, 4.