Obama tells Philippines, Asian allies: We stand with you

MANILA, Philippines - Amid the devastation wrought by super typhoon Yolanda and the Philippines' territorial row with China, US President Barack Obama assured the country and Washington's other allies in Asia Pacific of help in times of need.

In his video message presented during the Link, Engage, Activate, Develop (LEAD) Association of South East Asian Nations (ASEAN) Youth Summit in Makati City on Tuesday, Obama said the Philippines "will always have a friend and partner" in the US.

"When our friends are in trouble, we help. And today my message to the Philippines and our allies across the Asia-Pacific is that we stand with you," Obama said.

Obama thanked the Philippine government and its people for welcoming the participants to the summit “even if they continue to respond to last month’s terrible typhoon.”

“In recent weeks we’ve seen our Filipino friends and partners from across the region and the United States join together to rescue victims, care for the injured and the homeless, and begin to rebuild. Because when our friends are in trouble, we help,” said Obama.

The summit, participated in by 150 delegates from the ASEAN, aims to bring together young leaders to form a network and promote a stronger region.

“As you move forward, you will always have a friend and partner in the United States of America,” he added.

ASEAN trip in April

In his message, Obama also announced his return to the region in April.

He missed the Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation Summit in Indonesia last October following the government shutdown in the US.

Obama also pledged to help in attaining prosperity and peace in the Asia Pacific region.

“Prosperity and peace in the Asia Pacific means more opportunity for all of us, including the United States. And I will make sure we’re building that future together,” he said.

According to Obama, the US will soon roll out the Young Southeast Asian Leaders Initiative to “join with extraordinary men and women like you on the things you care about most.”

“We’ll help you strengthen the kinds of networks you’re building… We’ll give more young people an opportunity to pursuing quality education in your countries, including in science and technology, and to study in America,” he said.

China?

Obama did not specifically mention China in his message, which he gave days after the Asian giant declared its new Air Defense Identification Zone (ADIZ) in the East China Sea.

Several countries have been alarmed by China's ADIZ with the US flying two B-52 bombers over the disputed air space.

The U.S. and Japan said they don't acknowledge the zone, where foreign aircraft could be asked to identify themselves and accept Chinese instructions.

South Korea and Taiwan have also rejected the ADIZ.

"We do not believe that this is a move intended to build confidence or in any other way improve the situation but instead, will create tension and the possibility of miscalculation," said Philip Goldberg, the new US ambassador to the Manila.

Philippine Foreign Affairs Secretary Raul Hernandez said China's ADIZ transforms the entire air zone into its domestic airspace while threatening the right to freedom of flight the safety of civil aviation and national security of affected countries.

China also remains locked in a territorial dispute with the Philippines and other nations in the South China Sea.

The Philippines is claiming parts of the South China Sea and small island groups while Beijing is pressing its indisputable sovereignty practically over the entire disputed waters through its nine-dash rule claim.

The country has filed an arbitral case with the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea challenging China's excessive claims and seeking to resolve the maritime dispute.

The Philippines is also advocating the Declaration on the Conduct of Parties in the territorial row.

LEAD summit

The three-day summit, called  LEAD ASEAN Youth Summit, was organized by the Ayala Foundation and the US Embassy in Manila.

It brought together alumni of US government international exchange programs or of the Ayala Young Leaders Congress. Sixty participants were from the Philippines, while 10 delegates came from each the nine other ASEAN countries.

The summit will “feature interactive panel discussions, exposure trips, cultural exchange activities, and workshops that will enable the youth leaders to learn from each other’s experiences.”

The delegates are also expected to join Yolanda relief efforts this week by participating in the packing of relief goods.

US Ambassador to ASEAN David Carden, Ayala Corp. chief executive Jaime Augusto Zobel de Ayala, and Susan Stevenson of the US Bureau of East Asian and Pacific Affairs delivered welcome remarks.

US Ambassador to the Philippines Philip Goldberg, who has recently presented his credentials to President Aquino, is expected to deliver closing remarks on Thursday.

Speakers in the summit include Ramon Magsaysay Awardees Lahpai Seng Raw, Tru Mumpuni, and Antonio Oposa.

Simultaneous workshops will be conducted by Kickstart Ventures Inc., World Wide Fund for Nature, Teach Peace Build Peace Foundation, and Center for Excellence in Public Elementary Education.

Workshops will also be conducted by Gawad Kalinga, Philippine Business for the Environment,  and Asia Society, among others.