United States Ambassador to Manila Sung Kim said Washington stands alongside the Philippines in upholding a rules-based order that ensures sovereign, sustainable and productive access to the South China Sea (West Philippine Sea) and its resources. He reiterated on Thursday the US’ commitment to uphold the sovereign rights of all states that have overlapping claims in the disputed South China Sea “regardless of size, power and military capabilities.” Secretary of State Michael Pompeo on Tuesday said Washington “rejects” China’s maritime claims within the Philippines’ exclusive economic zone (EEZ) or continental shelf and claims in waters beyond 12 nautical miles from the Spratly islands.

Tamayo, B. E. (2020, July 17). US to PH: We still support you on sea dispute. The Manila Times, p. A3.