PH-US ties stands on its own, not about China — Amb. Carlson

United States Ambassador to the Philippines MaryKay Carlson on Wednesday said the US commitment to support the Philippines is not about any other country as the ties between them "stands on its own."

In a television interview, Carlson was asked for her thoughts about China's previous statement that the increased presence of the US in the Philippines through the Enhanced Defense Cooperation Agreement (EDCA) sites affect regional stability.

"The Mutual Defense Treaty dates back to 1951. Our commitment to the Philippines stands on its own. Our relationship stands on its own, it's not about in a third country, it's not about a single challenge. But we certainly have global challenges when it comes to climate change, when it comes to cybersecurity, when it comes to environmental degradation of our surrounding seas and climate," Carlson told ANC.

"There's so much that we're working together. It's not about China. It certainly is not about China alone, it's about what we do together... It dates back decades. I understand that that argument is out there but that's not why we're committed to the Philippines," she added.

Further, Carlson said the "EDCA sites can be used for whatever the Philippine government invites the United States to do."

"These are not our sites. We do not have any rights to these sites. It's not as if somehow somebody snaps a finger and all of a sudden everything is open to the United States," Carlson said.

She also admitted that the Indo-Pacific region is a critical regional trade around the world as 90% of trade goes across the high seas.

"A large percentage of that passes through the West Philippine Sea, the South China Sea, to these key straits in this region. So economic security is national security. So making sure that we guarantee prosperity for our people, means we have to have open sea lines of communication," Carlson said.

Earlier, President Ferdinand "Bongbong" Marcos Jr. already said the additional sites under the country's EDCA with the US would not be used for offensive actions.

The new EDCA sites will be the Naval Base Camilo Osias in Sta Ana, Cagayan; Lal-lo Airport in Lal-lo, Cagayan; Camp Melchor Dela Cruz in Gamu, Isabela; and Balabac Island in Palawan.

While on his way to Washington early this month for an official visit, the President also said the Philippines would not be used as a staging post for any kind of military action. — Anna Felicia Bajo/RSJ, GMA Integrated News