Lorenzana, US Defense chief discuss South China Sea, anti-terrorism efforts
MANILA, Philippines — The South China Sea dispute and counter-terror efforts were among the topics discussed during Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana's meeting with his US counterpart Tuesday.
US Defense Secretary
Following their meeting, Lorenzana and Esper reiterated Manila and Washington's commitment to uphold freedom of navigation, overflight and other lawful uses of the sea in the South China Sea, including the West Philippine Sea.
The Defense chiefs also stressed the importance of peacefully resolving disputes
"The Philippines noted that, as an ASEAN member, it has a crucial role to play in ensuring that
The ASEAN member states and China are
Mutual Defense Treaty
Esper also reaffirmed the previous commitment of US Secretary of
Through the Philippines-US Mutual Defense Treaty Board-Security Engagement Board, the two countries maintained commitment on developing capabilities and enhancing cooperation to address security challenges.
Lorenzana and Esper agreed to explore ways to improve defense cooperation such as improving defense infrastructure, updating personnel and logistics procedures, adapting counterterrorism cooperation and increasing operational communication and coordination.
Aside from the maritime dispute, Lorenzana and Esper also discussed the two countries' commitment to counter terrorism and violent extremism.
"The United States and the Philippines will build upon the existing foundation by continuing to improve information sharing and enhancing cooperation to prevent terrorist attacks and the transit of foreign terrorist fighters in and through the Philippines," the statement read.
The two officials also talked about the commitment of the US to assist the country in the modernization of the Armed Forces of the Philippines.
"They confirmed their shared commitment to further deepen and expand defense cooperation by reinforcing respective national defense capabilities and interoperability, enhancing joint military exercises, disaster response initiatives, and cybersecurity awareness, and improving defense infrastructure through the Enhanced Defense Cooperation Agreement," the statement said.
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