Blinken, in Call with Philippine Foreign Minister, Rejects China's South China Sea Sovereignty Claims

Tony Blinken, U.S. Secretary of State [Photo by Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Donghoon Jeong] U.S. Secretary of State Tony Blinken is sending a message to check China.

According to major foreign media on the 27th (local time), Secretary Blinken reaffirmed the U.S. position that "the United States rejects China's territorial claims" regarding the South China Sea issue, where Southeast Asian countries including the Philippines are engaged in territorial disputes with China, during a phone call with Philippine Foreign Minister Teodoro Locsin.

The State Department stated in a release, "During the call, Secretary Blinken pledged to stand with Southeast Asian countries against pressure from the People's Republic of China (PRC)," and "Secretary Blinken emphasized the importance of the mutual defense treaty for the security of both countries and the clear application of the treaty in the event of an armed attack on Philippine forces, vessels, or aircraft."

Blinken's remarks came amid rising tensions in the South China Sea following China's passage of a bill on the 22nd allowing the Coast Guard to use all necessary means to prevent maritime jurisdiction violations. The bill also includes provisions permitting the Coast Guard to destroy structures built by other countries on islands and reefs claimed by China.