Secretary Rubio’s Call with Philippine Secretary of Foreign Affairs Manalo

The below is attributable to Spokesperson Tammy Bruce:

Secretary of State Marco Rubio spoke today with Philippine Secretary of Foreign Affairs Enrique A. Manalo about issues of mutual concern, including the PRC's dangerous and destabilizing actions in the South China Sea. Secretary Rubio conveyed that the PRC's behavior undermines regional peace and stability and is inconsistent with international law. The Secretary underscored the United States' ironclad commitments to the Philippines under our Mutual Defense Treaty. The Secretaries also exchanged views on ways to advance security cooperation, expand economic ties for shared prosperity, and deepen avenues for further regional cooperation.