UNITED States Ambassador to Manila Sung Kim said Washington stands alongside the Philippines in upholding a rules-based order that ensures sovereign, sustainable and productive access to the South China Sea (West Philippine Sea) and its resources. “The United States will continue to support our Philippine friends, partners and allies in conserving the rich marine biodiversity that make this island nation so special,” Kim said in a statement. Here in the Philippines, the West Philippine Sea epitomizes the rich marine diversity of this country,” he said. Kim said the US supported the Philippine Coast Guard capacity to defend its waters by supplying expert training and new equipment. “Through the recently ratified US-Philippines Science and Technology Agreement, together we are building new pathways to increased scientific collaboration in the West Philippine Sea and beyond,” Kim said.

Source: Manila Times July 16, 2020 16:31 UTC