US State Secretary Michael Pompeo on Friday assured that any attack on Philippine forces, aircraft, or government vessels in the South China Sea “would trigger mutual defense obligations” under the Mutual Defense Treaty (MDT) signed by Manila and Washington in 1951. “We have your back in the South China Sea,” Pompeo, relaying President Donald Trump’s assurance, told President Duterte during their meeting at the Villamor Air Base Thursday night. The visiting US official gave this assurance when he was specifically asked to clarify on American commitment to help the Philippines in case a shooting war breaks in the South China Sea.

Mabasa, R. C., & Kabiling G. D. (2019, March 2). US to defend PH in case of attack in South China Sea, Pompeo assures. Manila Bulletin, pp. 1, 7.