US and Philippines seek to strengthen ties amid China tensions

The presidents of the US and the Philippines are meeting to discuss the security situation amid growing aggression and harassment by China in the South China Sea. The US has been a vocal supporter of the Philippines against China's recent actions, and has said that an attack on Philippine security forces or a public vessel would "invoke US mutual defence commitments". The Philippines has filed more than 200 diplomatic protests against China since last year, and has increased US access to Philippine military bases. Beijing is concerned with the deepening US-Philippines relationship and is trying to deter Manila from pursuing a firmer approach in the South China Sea.