Senator Marco Rubio reached out to Philippine Foreign Secretary Enrique Manalo on Wednesday, emphasizing the United States' unwavering commitment to the Philippines under their Mutual Defence Treaty. This call aimed to reassure Manila of America's steadfast support as its oldest military ally in Asia. Analysts have welcomed Rubio's assurance, noting that it signals a continued US policy approach towards the region. However, they also suggest that such commitments could hinge on the policies of US President Donald Trump, who has shown signs of a softened stance towards China.
Rubio's conversation with Manalo marks one of his initial actions as the chief implementer of President Trump's foreign policy. During the call, Rubio highlighted the importance of addressing "issues of mutual concern, including China’s dangerous and destabilising actions in the South China Sea." His comment underscores the serious nature of Beijing's activities in the region, which he described as undermining "regional peace and stability and is inconsistent with international law."
In addition to his conversation with Manalo, Rubio also engaged with his counterparts from the Quad nations – Australia, India, and Japan. Following their meeting, Quad officials issued a joint statement expressing their collective stance:
"strongly oppose any unilateral actions that seek to change the status quo by force or coercion in the Indo-Pacific region" – Quad officials
Despite these discussions, Rubio did not address the trilateral security arrangement among the US, Japan, and the Philippines with Manalo. This security initiative was a last-minute effort by former US President Joe Biden. Analysts noted that Rubio's call could be seen as a strategic response to China's assertive actions in the South China Sea, an area where the Philippines remains embroiled in territorial disputes with Beijing.
Rubio’s firm assurance to Manila signifies a noteworthy development in regional geopolitics. His proactive engagement with both Philippine and Quad officials suggests a potential alignment of interests against perceived Chinese aggression in the South China Sea. However, the sustainability of this commitment remains contingent on broader US foreign policy directions under President Trump.
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