U.S. Supports Philippine Resupply Efforts in South China Sea

The U.S. pledges to support the Philippines in resupplying its ship on Second Thomas Shoal, reinforcing Manila's claims amid tensions with China. White House national security adviser Jake Sullivan emphasized that the U.S.-Philippines defense treaty applies to the region.

The United States has committed to ensuring that the Philippines can resupply its ship stationed at the Second Thomas Shoal to bolster its territorial claims, according to White House national security adviser Jake Sullivan.

Sullivan expressed a preference for the Philippines to manage the resupply of the Sierra Madre, a warship Manila intentionally grounded in 1999 to assert its maritime claims against China in the South China Sea. Speaking at the Aspen Security Forum in Colorado, he reiterated that the U.S.-Philippines mutual defense treaty covers the Sierra Madre.

Sullivan stressed the importance of de-escalation and enabling the Philippines to conduct resupply operations without hindrance.

(With inputs from agencies.)