US reaffirms support for Philippines

WASHINGTON

The US reaffirmed its support for the Philippines in defending its sovereign rights, the Pentagon said Monday.

Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin and Secretary of State Antony Blinken met with Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. in the capital Manila during their trip to the Indo-Pacific region.

"The three officials underscored the historic strength of the U.S.-Philippines Alliance, which both countries are expanding and modernizing in support of a shared vision for a free and open Indo-Pacific," deputy spokeswoman Sabrina Singh said in a statement.

The officials discussed ways to continue working more closely with like-minded nations like Australia and Japan to strengthen shared principles, including the rule of law, freedom of the seas and respect for territorial sovereignty, she added.

The meeting also reaffirmed the US and the Philippines' enduring commitment to stand "shoulder-to-shoulder" as allies to bring security, prosperity and stability to the Indo-Pacific region, according to the statement.