U.S. Pledges Support to Philippines for South China Sea Resupplies

The United States has affirmed its commitment to assist the Philippines in resupplying the ship Sierra Madre on the Second Thomas Shoal. This gesture strengthens Manila's maritime claims in the contested South China Sea, as stated by White House national security adviser Jake Sullivan at the Aspen Security Forum.

The United States "will do what is necessary" to ensure the Philippines can resupply a ship stationed on the Second Thomas Shoal, announced White House national security adviser Jake Sullivan on Friday.

Speaking at the Aspen Security Forum in Colorado, Sullivan emphasized that the U.S. prefers the Philippines to handle the resupply operations of the Sierra Madre warship. The vessel has been beached by Manila since 1999 as part of its efforts to assert maritime claims in the South China Sea, a region also claimed by China.