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Related: Editorials & Other Articles, Issue Forums, Alliance Forums, Region ForumsO'Brien announces delivery of missiles, bombs to Philippines
Trumps National Security Adviser Robert O'Brien on Monday announced that the U.S. government was sending the Philippine military an arsenal of missiles and bombs in an apparent show of support to its ally as it deals with Islamic militants and territory disputes. At a ceremony in Manila, OBrien announced the delivery of the weapons on behalf of President Trump. According to Philippine Foreign Secretary Teodoro Locsin Jr., Trump pledged $18 million worth of missiles when speaking to Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte during a phone conversation in the spring.
President Trump is standing with President Duterte as we combat ISIS here in Southeast Asia, said OBrien. This transfer underscores our strong and enduring commitment to our critical alliance. OBrien stated that the U.S. stands with the Philippines as it seeks to protect its sovereignty in the South China Sea, the Associated Press reports. Last month, the country announced its plans to restart oil and gas exploration around Reed Bank, an area off of the country's west coast that is also claimed by China.
OBrien said of the dispute, They belong to the Philippine people. They dont belong to some other country that just because they may be bigger than the Philippines they can come take away and convert the resources of the Philippine people. Thats just wrong. He added, Any armed attack on Philippine forces aircraft or public vessels in the South China Sea will trigger our mutual defense obligations, his words echoing similar statements made by Secretary of State Mike Pompeo ... Pompeo heightened tensions with Beijing earlier this year when he said Washington considered all disputed maritime claims made by China to be illegitimate.
In October the State Department announced new diplomatic actions in Asia, including appointing a special coordinator to Tibet and opening its first embassy in the Maldives. The small archipelago nation is currently struggling to repay loans from Beijing taken out during a previous administration.
https://thehill.com/homenews/news/527135-obrien-announces-delivery-of-missiles-bombs-to-philippines