Harris Affirms ‘Unwavering’ US Defense Commitment to Philippines
MANILA—Washington will defend its oldest treaty ally, the Philippines, if it comes under attack in the South China Sea, U.S. Vice President Kamala Harris pledged on Monday, reaffirming America’s “unwavering” commitment to the former colony.
Her comments followed a meeting with President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., who welcomed Harris for the first time at the Philippine presidential palace.
Marcos said the two nations’ strong ties had become even more important, given what he called “upheavals” in the region.
“I do not see a future for the Philippines that does not include the United States,” said Marcos, the son of the late strongman whom Washington helped flee into exile in Hawaii during a 1986 “people power” uprising….