US Strengthens Ties with Philippines for Maritime Law Compliance

The United States aims to enhance the Philippines' capabilities to operate legally in its waters, as stated by a senior White House official. The announcements come ahead of a planned defense and foreign ministers meeting. Both nations also welcomed China's recent agreement with the Philippines to ease tensions in the South China Sea.

The United States is strengthening its support for the Philippines to lawfully manage and operate within its maritime boundaries, a senior White House official revealed on Wednesday. This announcement comes as the defense and foreign ministers from both countries are set to meet.

Mira Rapp-Hooper, the White House National Security Council's senior director for East Asia, disclosed this information during an American Enterprise Institute think tank event.

Daniel Kritenbrink, the top U.S. diplomat for East Asia, praised a recent agreement between the Philippines and China to reduce tensions in the South China Sea. However, he emphasized that the ultimate success of this accord would rely on its implementation.

(With inputs from agencies.)