U.S. Department of Defense
Pentagon Press Secretary John F. Kirby provided the following readout:
Secretary of Defense Lloyd J. Austin III spoke with Philippines Secretary of National Defense Delfin Lorenzana on the phone today to discuss recent events in the South China Sea.
Both Secretaries welcomed recent bilateral efforts to continue strengthening the U.S.-Philippines alliance. Secretary Austin reaffirmed the strong U.S. commitment to the Philippines under the Mutual Defense Treaty.
They agreed on the vital importance of peace and stability in the South China Sea and pledged to stay in close contact in the coming days. Secretary Austin reiterated that the United States will stand with our Philippine allies.
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