U.S. Vice President Kamala Harris has reaffirmed the country’s commitment to the defense of the Philippines in the South China Sea disputes, while advocating for a space of free navigation where the territorial integrity of different countries is respected.
During a visit to the Philippine island of Palawan, Harris insisted that Washington will press for an international campaign to put an end to «irresponsible behavior» in disputed waters.
Although Harris did not directly name China, he referred to the Asian giant when he backed the Philippines «in the face of coercion and intimidation» in the waters of the aforementioned sea, according to information from the NBC television network.
In what has been a symbolic visit, the vice president has taken the opportunity to demand a «greater effort to address the incursions and impediments that hinder trade and free navigation in the disputed waters». «We must uphold principles such as respect for sovereignty and territorial integrity, unimpeded trade and the peaceful resolution of disputes,» she said.
He has also pointed out that the United States «will continue to stand by its allies and partners in the face of any irresponsible behavior.» «When the norms of international law are threatened somewhere, they are threatened everywhere,» he continued.
