The Pentagon has assured that the U.S. government will continue to support the Philippines in any aspect necessary. During a press briefing in the U.S., Pentagon Press Secretary Air Force Maj. Gen. Pat Ryder addressed questions regarding a previous statement by U.S. Indo-Pacific Command Commander Admiral Samuel Paparo.
Admiral Paparo had suggested that the U.S. could escort Philippine supply missions in the West Philippine Sea.
Maj. Gen. Ryder emphasized that while the Philippines will lead its missions and operations in the West Philippine Sea, the U.S. will continue to provide significant advisory support, including assistance in modernizing the Philippine military.
Although Ryder did not directly confirm whether the U.S. would send escorts upon the Philippines’ request, he reiterated that the U.S. remains committed to supporting its ally, particularly in response to the ongoing blockades by the People’s Republic of China (PRC) against the Philippines’ legitimate maritime operations.
Ryder described the U.S. commitment to the alliance with the Philippines as “ironclad” and reaffirmed that any military support provided would be in response to requests made by the Philippines.
He clarified that while the U.S. is ready to assist and respond to the Philippines’ needs, formal consultations between the two nations would still be required.
This follows the recent visit of U.S. Indo-Pacific Command Commander Adm. Samuel Paparo Jr. to the Philippines, where he described escorting Philippine vessels on resupply missions in the West Philippine Sea as a reasonable option under the Mutual Defense Treaty