Emphasis on US “responsible relationship” with China
United States Secretary of State Blinken held a joint press conference with United States Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin, Philippine Secretary of State Enrique Manalo, and Secretary of Defense Carlito Gálvez, then of the “U.S.-Philippines 2+2 Ministerial Meeting”.
Stating that they discussed cooperation with the Philippines on economic, environmental and climate issues, Blinken explained that they also focused on strengthening the interoperability of the two countries’ security units within the scope of the Enhanced Defense Cooperation Agreement (EDCA).
The United States and the Philippines signed an Enhanced Defense Cooperation Agreement in 2014, and in this context, US soldiers were deployed to 5 military bases on the island.
The two countries expanded the scope of the agreement on February 1 and decided to identify 4 more bases for the deployment of US soldiers, as well as the development of the infrastructure of 5 bases. On April 3, the two countries announced the new bases in question.
MINISTERS GIVE EVASIVE ANSWERS
At the meeting, the four ministers were asked how deploying US troops to new bases in a war with China would affect Taiwan.
While Austin did not address the issue of a possible war with China, he said the bases would contribute significantly to the long-term interoperability of the two countries.
Minister Manalo affirmed that the 4 newly designated bases are intended to be used for interoperability and response to potential humanitarian and climate disasters.
The Philippine minister said: “We do not have a full answer at this stage on how they will be used. These are still under discussion. But we have come to a basic understanding. They will be used to respond to incidents associated with humanitarian disasters.” he gave the answer.
REGIONAL STABILITY AND PEACE
To the same question, Minister Blinken expressed that his relationship with China is a complex relationship that can be defined as competition on some issues, cooperation on some issues, and “enemy” on others.
Blinken stated that their main objective in the region is to put their own strategies in order and invest in power, stressing that they do so by acting in conjunction with partners, especially in Europe and the Pacific.
Antony Blinken said: “What we hear from the world and I think is in our own interest is to conduct our relations with China responsibly. Our goal is to create peace, stability, security and opportunity. It’s not about entering a new cold war with China, it’s not about taking control of China.” He made the assessment of him.
Stating that the US will take a stance determined by its own interests and regional stability in the region, Blinken added that they are ready to cooperate with China on global affairs and it is important that communication channels between the two countries are open. . (AA)