Blinken: If there is an attack on Philippines, United States will defend it

US Secretary of State Antony Blinken has announced that the United States will also go on the defensive in the face of a possible attack on the Philippines.

During meetings in Manila, dominated by simmering discussions of US-China tensions over the visit of US House of Representatives Speaker Nancy Pelosi to Taiwan, Blinken said USA had a 70-year defense agreement with the Philippines.

“An armed attack on the Philippine armed forces, public ships and aircraft will activate the mutual defense commitments of the United States under this agreement” Blinken said at a news conference. He went on to say, “The Philippines is an irreplaceable friend, partner and ally for the United States.”

Blinken had earlier used the expression “China has chosen to use Pelosi visit to Taiwan as an excuse to increase provocative military activities surrounding Taiwan and Taiwan strait”.