United States Deputy Secretary of State Kurt Campbell (pictured) and Philippine Undersecretary of Foreign Affairs Maria Theresa Lazaro shared their concerns over China's "escalatory and irresponsible actions on June 17," the US State Department said.
During their talks, Campbell and Lazaro concluded that Beijing's "dangerous actions" posed a threat to both regional peace and stability. Campbell brought up the fact that Article IV of the 1951 United States-Philippines Mutual Defense Treaty regulates armed attacks on Philippine armed forces, public vessels, or aircraft, including those belonging to the country's coast guard found anywhere in the South China Sea.
The National Task Force for the West Philippine Sea reported on Monday that Chinese maritime forces interfered with a resupply mission conducted by its forces, while the US condemned China's "escalatory and irresponsible actions."
