US vows continued presence in West Philippine Sea

MANILA, Philippines — The United States Navy will maintain its presence in the Indo-Pacific Region amid China’s “destabilizing” actions in the South China Sea (SCS) and the West Philippine Sea (WPS).

This was according to Capt. Claudine Caluori, Mission Commander of the US Navy’s Pacific Partnership 2023, when asked by reporters at a virtual briefing if the US would be doing more to help the Philippine Coast Guard and the Philippine Navy deal with Chinese harassment in the West Philippine Sea.

“While I cannot comment directly on US response, again I will say that the US will continue to fly, sail and operate safely and responsibility wherever international law allows,” she said.

“These actions (by the Chinese) are destabilizing and threaten the region’s security and prosperity and this is why our primary focus is on strengthening the terms and collaboration with our growing network of allies and partners,” she said.

The Pacific Partnership Mission is the largest annual multinational humanitarian assistance and disaster relief preparedness mission conducted in the Indo-Pacific.  It included stops in the Philippines, Vietnam, Malaysia, Fiji, Samoa, Palau, Papua New Guinea and Tonga.

“I just want to reiterate that our government has reaffirmed that a strong US-Philippine alliance is vital to a free and open Indo-Pacific Region and that we’ll continue to partner closely with the Philippines,” she stressed.

Caluori noted that for more than 70 years, the US Navy “has maintained a persistent maritime presence in the Indo-Pacific and the US Navy and the US Indo-Pacific Command is committed to continuing its forward presence, which is focused on stability and regional cooperation and economic prosperity for all nations.”

“The US will continue to fly, sail and operate safely and responsibly where international law allows and the US Indo-Pacific Command will remain dedicated to a free and open Indo-Pacific Region and we expect all countries in the Indo-Pacific to operate in international waters safely and in accordance with international law,” she said.

Caluori said Pacific Partnership is designed to bring several nations together to build relationships, enhance