Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, September 10)— The United States’ top diplomat reiterated the call for Beijing to abide by the 2016 arbitral ruling on the South China Sea — one that recognized the Philippines’ sovereign rights in areas within its exclusive economic zone.
The maritime row was one of the topics tackled by US Secretary of State Antony Blinken and Philippine Foreign Affairs Secretary Teodoro Locsin, Jr. during their meeting in Washington on Thursday (Friday in Manila).
“Secretary Blinken also underscored the importance of freedom of navigation and respect for international law in the South China Sea, and reiterated calls on the People’s Republic of China to abide by the 2016 arbitration ruling issued pursuant to the Law of the Sea Convention,” the US Department of State said in a statement.
Reaffirming the countries’ bilateral relations, Blinken and Locsin also discussed a range of topics including the COVID-19 pandemic, human rights, and economic engagement, the agency noted.
Blinken added the US was also “gratified” with the Philippine government’s decision to recall the abrogation of the Visiting Forces Agreement.
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On the same day, the White House also announced it has pledged an additional $11.3 million in COVID-19 assistance to the Philippines, raising America’s total aid to $37 million.
