US defense chief: MDT covers PH public, gov’t ships, aircraft

FILE: US Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin III reaffirms his country’s commitment to the Philippines under the Mutual Defense Treaty (MDT), emphasizing US support in case of attacks, during a press conference with Defense Secretary Carlito Galvez Jr. at Camp Aguinaldo in Quezon City on Thursday (Feb. 2, 2023). The US official said the MDT “applies to armed attacks on either of our Armed Forces, public vessels or aircraft anywhere in the South China Sea or West Philippine Sea.” (PNA photo by Joey O. Razon)

MANILA – United States Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin III reiterated that the Mutual Defense Treaty (MDT) between the US and the Philippines applies to Philippine public and government vessels and aircraft.

“Secretary Austin reaffirmed that the Mutual Defense Treaty extends to Philippine public vessels, aircraft, and armed forces – to include those of its Coast Guard – in the Pacific, including in the South China Sea,” the US Department of Defense (DOD) said in a statement Tuesday night (US time).

Austin made the statement after a phone call with Department of National Defense (DND) Secretary Gilberto Teodoro Jr. where they discussed recent events in the South China Sea, including China’s efforts to obstruct the Philippine resupply mission at the Second Thomas Shoal (also known as Ayungin Shoal) on Aug. 5.

“Secretary Austin condemned the China Coast Guard’s use of water cannons and other dangerous maneuvers, which put the safety of Philippine vessels and crew at risk. He joined numerous countries in expressing concern about these unsafe operational activities, which undermine the status quo and directly threaten regional peace and stability,” the US DOD statement added.

Austin, in a May phone call with then DND officer-in-charge Senior Undersecretary Carlito Galvez Jr., reiterated that any armed attack on Philippine ships and aircraft in the South China Sea would result in the invocation of the MDT.

“Austin reiterated that the US’ commitment to the alliance remains ironclad and that an armed attack on Philippine armed forces, aircraft, and public vessels, including the Coast Guard, anywhere in the South China Sea, would invoke US mutual defense commitments under Article IV of the MDT,” DND spokesperson Arsenio Andolong said in an earlier statement.

Under Article IV of the MDT between the Philippines and the United States, “each Party recognizes that an armed attack in the Pacific area on either of the Parties would be dangerous to its own peace and safety and declares that it would act to meet the common dangers in accordance with its constitutional processes.”

The MDT between the two nations was signed on Aug. 30, 1951.

Austin and Teodoro also discussed the US-Philippine alliance cooperation and reaffirmed the “ironclad nature” of this partnership.

“Both Secretaries reaffirmed the ironclad nature of the US-Philippines alliance and committed to redouble efforts to strengthen bilateral training, interoperability, and support for the modernization of the Philippine armed forces,” the US DOD stated.

They also reaffirmed their shared commitment to upholding the rules-based order, including supporting the Philippines’ right to conduct lawful maritime activities, consistent with the 2016 Arbitral Tribunal Ruling, which is final and binding on all parties.

“The Secretaries commended recent bilateral military cooperation, including collaborative efforts to deliver over 32 tons of humanitarian supplies to the remote islands off the coast of the Batanes island group and the mountain region of Cervantes, Ilocos Sur impacted by Typhoon Egay,” the US DOD statement added.

Both defense chiefs noted that swift response was critical for the well-being and safety of thousands of Filipinos in these regions affected by the typhoon.

They also praised the use of the Lal-lo Airfield in Cagayan, a new Enhance Defense Cooperation Agreement location, in facilitating relief efforts.

“The Secretaries committed to find a near-term opportunity to meet in person and restated their commitment to stand shoulder-to-shoulder as allies to bring security, prosperity, and stability to the Indo-Pacific region and beyond,” it added.