Vice President Kamala Harris made history during her visit to the Philippines as she expressed America’s loyalties toward the small island nation.
Her presence in Manila caused her to become “the highest-ranking US official to visit the Philippine mainland” according to AP News. Harris’s visit generated quite a stir in the political realm, proving that the United States still honors its “oldest treaty ally in Asia.”
The main topic that Harris came to discuss with Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. and his officials was America’s desire to increase its military presence on the little island according to agreements made during a 1951 mutual defense treaty.
CNN chronicled the history of US-Philippine ties by paying homage to the day that two of America’s largest overseas bases were shifted to Philippine control in the 1990s. These American military installations were Clark Air Base and Subic Bay Naval Base. Both played a significant role in the agreement between the US and the Philippines to protect each other if one was attacked by an outside force.
During Harris’s visit to the city of Palawan, she sought information on China’s newest military buildings on islands bordering the South China Sea. These pieces of land are claimed by the Philippines, resulting in tension between the small nation and its larger neighbor.
CNN claims that this is “one of the most outward signs of China’s ambitions in the Pacific,” which is why Washington has sent Harris to reassure the Philippine natives of US support.
The encouragement came at the perfect time as well, Harris landing just a day after “China’s coast guard forcibly seized Chinese rocket debris that Filipino navy personnel found and were towing to a Philippines-occupied island in the disputed South China Sea” according to AP News.
There have been countless territorial debates across the South China Sea as six governments attempt to keep the peace. Harris is well aware that negotiations must be strategic and respectful in order to prevent violence.
AP News also said she claims that “an armed attack on the Philippines armed forces, public vessels, or aircraft in the South China Sea would invoke U.S. Mutual Defense commitments.”
Philippine President Marcos Jr. is appreciative of America’s pledge to assist his nation, stating that “this partnership becomes even more important” with every passing hour that China continues to infringe upon Philippine territory.