Blinken Vows US Will Defend Ally Philippines From China’s ‘Intimidation’

Protesters hold slogans to mark the 6th anniversary of the 2016 international ruling that declared China's claims in the South China Sea illegal during a rally outside the Chinese consulate in Makati, Philippines on July 12, 2022. AP Photo/Aaron Favila

The United States would defend its ally the Philippines if the latter were attacked by China, according to U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken.

In a statement issued by the U.S. Embassy in Manila July 12, Blinken warned China’s communist leadership explicitly that Washington was obligated to defend the Philippines if its forces, vessels, or aircraft came under attack in the disputed waters of the South China Sea.