00:00The United States has announced plans to deploy advanced missile systems to the Philippines amid rising tensions in the South
00:07China Sea.
00:09In a joint statement following their fourth bilateral strategic dialogue on February 17th,
00:14Washington and Manila said the move is part of efforts to strengthen their alliance and re-establish deterrence in the
00:21Indo-Pacific by 2026.
00:24Both countries reaffirmed their commitment to a free and open region and maintaining a vigilant posture to prevent conflict and
00:31keep sea lanes open.
00:33They also condemned what they describe as China's illegal, coercive, and aggressive activities in the South China Sea.
00:40The two allies reiterated that under their 1951 Mutual Defense Treaty,
00:45any armed attack on their armed forces, aircraft, or public vessels, including Coast Guard ships, anywhere in the Pacific, would
00:53trigger mutual defense obligations.
01:11We'll see you next time.
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