In response to the problem that many Chinese fishing boats have been anchored in the South China Sea near the Philippines since last month, ministers of the United States and the Philippines have held telephone talks one after another to express their concerns, and are strengthening their restraint on China.

In the South China Sea, 300 kilometers west of Palawan Island in the western Philippines, some have remained after it was confirmed that about 220 Chinese fishing boats were moored early last month, and the Philippine government has been exclusive to its own country. It is protesting against China because it is in the economic zone.



Under these circumstances, US Secretary of Defense Austin and Filipino Defense Minister Lorenzana held a telephone conversation on the 11th, both expressing concern about this issue.



In addition to aiming to resume regular joint military exercises that were canceled last year due to the spread of the new coronavirus, the U.S. side has decided to abolish the military agreement between the two countries that President Duterte is considering to abolish. He reemphasized its importance and called for continuation.



On the 9th of this month, US Secretary of State Antony Blinken and Philippine Foreign Minister Antony Blinken held a telephone conversation over the issue of Chinese fishing vessels anchored, and these fishing vessels are Chinese "maritime militia" and are common. He expressed concern.



Then, by reconfirming that the Mutual Defense Treaty, which stipulates the US defense obligations to the Philippines, will be applied to the South China Sea, we are promoting the cooperation between the two countries and strengthening the restraint on China.