In the same interview, Kim said China’s aggressive and unilateral actions in the South China Sea have a “very direct effect” on the sovereignty and interest of the Philippines. The US raised concern over China’s aggressive actions in the oil-rich South China Sea and deployment of communications and radar jamming equipment at Kagitingan (Fiery Cross) Reef and Panganiban (Mischief) Reef. In an interview at the “Kapihan sa Embahada” six months ago, Kim stressed the need for the US to be “present” in the South China Sea.

Lee-Brago, P. (2018, November 28). US: Improved China ties can't replace Phl-US alliance. The Philippine Star, p. 12.