US, Philippines agree to deepen defense cooperation

US Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin and his Philippine counterpart have agreed to deepen cooperation under their countries' bilateral alliance.

Austin held talks with Philippines Secretary of National Defense Delfin Lorenzana at the Pentagon on Monday with China's increasing military activities in the South China Sea in mind.

The US Defense Department released a statement saying, "The Secretaries affirmed the enduring nature of the alliance, as well as the vital importance of ensuring peace and stability in the South China Sea."

It said "Austin reiterated that the US commitment to Philippine security is ironclad" and that the "US Mutual Defense Treaty commitments extend to Philippine armed forces, public vessels, and aircraft in the South China Sea."

https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/news/20220419_17/