Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, December 12) — The country’s military chief on Wednesday said he does not see China’s latest aggressions in the West Philippine Sea (WPS) triggering defense treaty commitments with the United States.
“Yung mga nangyayari recently, yung water cannoning, pati yung pagbangga sa atin, these are not enough grounds for us to invoke the MDT (Mutual Defense Treaty),” AFP chief Gen. Romeo Brawner Jr. said.
[Translation: What happened recently, the water cannoning and the collision with our ships, these are not enough grounds for us to invoke the MDT.]
Brawner recently spoke by phone with his US counterpart, General Charles Brown, to discuss the region’s security environment, including China’s behavior in the WPS.
While the nation’s long-time ally reiterated its commitment under the MDT, Brawner said the US will “not necessarily” help in the Philippine resupply missions, particularly for troops stationed in the Second Thomas or Ayungin Shoal.
Philippine vessels, including civilian boats, were recently subjected to aggressive actions by China in the WPS. Brawner was even onboard the supply boat when it was blasted with water cannon by the Chinese coast guard on Sunday.
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