In a statement released by the US Embassy in Manila, the US State Department said the US “stands with our ally, the Philippines, in the face of this escalation that directly threatens regional peace and stability…”

The Full Statement:

“On the Situation in the South China Sea

Two days ago, the People’s Republic of China (PRC) Coast Guard blocked and used water cannons against Philippine resupply ships en route to Second Thomas Shoal in the South China Sea.

The United States stands with our ally, the Philippines, in the face of this escalation that directly threatens regional peace and stability, escalates regional tensions, infringes upon freedom of navigation in the South China Sea as guaranteed under international law, and undermines the rules-based international order.

On July 12, 2016, an Arbitral Tribunal constituted under the 1982 Law of the Sea Convention, delivered a unanimous and enduring decision firmly rejecting the PRC’s claims to Second Thomas Shoal and to waters determined to be part of the Philippines’ exclusive economic zone. 

The PRC and the Philippines, pursuant to their treaty obligations under the Law of the Sea Convention, are legally bound to comply with this decision.  The PRC should not interfere with lawful Philippine activities in the Philippines’ exclusive economic zone.

The United States stands with our Philippine allies in upholding the rules-based international maritime order and reaffirms that an armed attack on Philippine public vessels in the South China Sea would invoke U.S. mutual defense commitments under Article IV of the 1951 U.S. Philippines Mutual Defense Treaty.

The United States strongly believes that PRC actions asserting its expansive and unlawful South China Sea maritime claims undermine peace and security in the region.”

###

SUBIC BAY FREEPORT — BRP Jose Rizal (FF-150), the Philippine’s first ever multi-capable frigate has been officially commissioned here by the Philippine Navy in rites under cloudy skies this afternoon (July 10).

“It is an honor for Subic Bay to host the christening, commissioning, and handover rites for the country’s newest and most powerful military ship, the BRP Jose Rizal,” SBMA Chairman & Administrator Wilma T. Eisma told told Subic Bay News, “Like this frigate, the Subic Bay Freeport symbolizes the new hope of the Philippine government to modernize and be self-reliant towards true independence and sustainability.”

The ship arrived here last month from Korea and was set to be commissioned on June 16 in conjunction with the birthday of it’s namesake Philippine National Hero Jose Rizal but was moved for today after a crew tested positive for the Wuhan virus (Covid19). The crew member eventually tested negative in a confirmatory test, though.

Ordered by the Philippine Government in 2016 along with another frigate BRP Antonio Luna (FF-151) for P16B, the ship is part of the Philippine Navy’s much-need modernization program.

President Duterte failed to be physically present, but delivered a virtual message.

““It is the pride of every Filipino to witness this historic event when we realize our common aspirations for a secure and stable future.” said Eisma who joined both civilian and military dignitaries in witnessing the event.

Navy chief Vice Admiral Giovanni Carlo Bacordo has earlier confirmed that BRP Jose Rizal will join the 27th RIMPAC 2020 on Aug. 17 to 31, leaving for Guam on July 29 before proceeding to Hawaii.

The US Navy-sponsored RIMPAC, the world’s largest international maritime exercise, RIMPAC is designed to foster and sustain cooperative relationships, critical to ensuring the safety of sea lanes and security in support of a free and open Indo-Pacific region. 

TWO (2) Indonesian Navy Ships arrived in Subic Bay early this morning. The KRI FRANS KAISIEPO (368), above and KRI JOHN LIE (358), below, are on a”goodwill visit,” according to the Philippine Navy. (SubicBayNews photos by Vic V. Vizcocho, Jr.)