The United States has committed to supporting the Philippines in resupplying a ship stationed on the Second Thomas Shoal, as part of Manila’s efforts to assert its claims over the atoll, White House national security adviser Jake Sullivan announced on Friday.
US Commitment
Sullivan emphasized that the US would ensure the Philippines can resupply the small crew aboard the warship Sierra Madre, which has been beached on the shoal since 1999 to bolster maritime claims in the contested South China Sea. “The most important thing right now is to see de-escalation and to see the ability of the Philippines to do resupplies,” Sullivan stated during the Aspen Security Forum conference in Colorado.
Mutual Defense Treaty
Sullivan reiterated that the US mutual defense treaty with the Philippines extends to the Sierra Madre, sending a clear message to China. The treaty ensures that any armed attack on Philippine forces will be met with US support.
Background
The Sierra Madre’s presence on the Second Thomas Shoal, also known as Ayungin Shoal, is a significant part of the Philippines’ strategy to reinforce its territorial claims in the South China Sea, which are disputed by China. The US backing aims to support these efforts and maintain regional stability.