United States Vice President Kamala Harris reinforced her country’s commitment to defending the Philippines amid territorial tensions in the West Philippine Sea during a visit to a fishing village on the island of Palawan.
Harris’ visit to the townsfolk of Tagburos in Puerto Princesa marked the last leg of a two-day trip to the Philippines, which also saw the US VP engage in bilateral talks with President Ferdinand Marcos Jr and Vice President Sara Duterte.
“It was great to connect with residents in Tagburos fishing village in Palawan, the Philippines as we work together to protect their lives and livelihoods. As I made clear, the relationship between the United States and the Philippines is based on deep ties between our people,” Harris wrote on Instagram.
Harris also boarded the Philippine Coast Guard’s patrol ship Teresa Magbanua docked in Puerto Princesa, where she reiterated the United States’ commitment to the Philippines, its oldest ally in Asia.
“We must stand up for principles such as respect for sovereignty and territorial integrity, unimpeded lawful commerce, the peaceful resolution of disputes,” she said in her speech.
“We will continue to rally our allies and partners against unlawful and irresponsible behavior. When the international rules-based order is threatened somewhere, it is threatened everywhere.”
“To all of you here today, I say: The US-Philippines alliance is strong. We are committed to you. We are committed to your success. And to all the lives and livelihoods that rely on your work,” she said.
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