US Senate Reaffirms Defense Treaty Amid Rising Tensions in West Philippine Sea

The Philippine government has expressed its support for a recently introduced resolution in the United States Senate that reaffirms the Mutual Defense Treaty (MDT) between the Philippines and the US while condemning China’s persistent aggressive behavior in the West Philippine Sea (WPS).

National Security Adviser Secretary Eduardo Año, in a weekend statement, welcomed Senate Resolution No. 409, authored by Senator Pete Ricketts and endorsed by a bipartisan coalition. Año highlighted that the resolution reinforces the long-standing defense alliance between Manila and Washington and signals that "the world is watching and the Philippines is not alone."

He emphasized, "The resolution’s recognition that the MDT covers any attack on Philippine forces, vessels, or aircraft in the South China Sea underscores the enduring strength of our alliance and the resolve to stand together against illegal, coercive, aggressive, and deceptive (ICAD) actions."

This resolution emerges amidst escalating tensions as Chinese maritime forces continue harassment, blockades, and unsafe maneuvers directed at Philippine vessels and fishermen within the country’s exclusive economic zone (EEZ) in the WPS.

Año also praised the US Senate’s encouragement for "appropriate and necessary actions" to counter China’s escalation in the region. He stated, "In the face of continued harassment, blockades, and dangerous maneuvers against Philippine public vessels and fishermen in our own waters, we welcome the resolution’s call for the US to take appropriate and necessary actions to counter Chinese escalation."

The resolution advocates for enhanced joint patrols, expanded military training, cybersecurity collaboration, and increased American support for the Philippines’ defense modernization programs. These efforts are intended to bolster deterrence and uphold freedom of navigation across the contested waters.

Año reaffirmed the Philippines’ commitment to defend its sovereign rights based on international law, citing the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS), the landmark 2016 Arbitral Tribunal ruling at The Hague, and Philippine national law as the foundation for its maritime claims.

Coinciding with the 74th anniversary of the MDT, Año underscored the enduring significance of the treaty signed in 1951. He said, "As we commemorate the 74th year of the MDT, we reaffirm that our alliance with the United States is strong, our commitment to peace is unwavering, and our determination to safeguard regional peace and security is absolute."

Article IV of the Mutual Defense Treaty binds both nations to assist one another in the event of armed attack, underscoring the treaty’s critical role in ensuring mutual security.