China hits US, Philippines over ‘false’ accusationsA US soldier fires a Javelin anti-tank missile during a live-fire exercise at Fort Magsaysay in Nueva Ecija as part of the annual Balikatan yesterday. “The joint statement of the US and the Philippines misrepresents and discredits the legitimate and lawful maritime law enforcement activities of the Chinese side and even makes false accusations against China. He also reassured Manila of US commitment to defend the Philippines against any armed attack under the Mutual Defense Treaty. We’ve seen a troubling increase in coercion and dangerous operational behavior, including in the South China Sea. And I have mentioned on several occasions that the importance of our Philippine-US defense cooperation in the region, especially at this time when significant challenges are becoming increasing complex and evolving,” he said.
