National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan spoke yesterday with Philippine National Security Advisor Eduardo M. Año.  Mr. Sullivan and Mr. Año discussed shared concerns over the People’s Republic of China’s dangerous and escalatory actions against the Philippines’ lawful maritime operations near Second Thomas Shoal in the South China Sea.  Mr. Sullivan reiterated ironclad U.S. commitment to the U.S.-Philippines Mutual Defense Treaty, which extends to armed attacks on Philippine armed forces, public vessels, or aircraft—to include those of its Coast Guard—anywhere in the South China Sea.  Mr. Sullivan and Mr. Año reaffirmed the enduring friendship between our nations and our shared commitment to freedom of navigation and international law in the South China Sea.  The two committed to continued close cooperation in support of their shared vision of a free and open Indo-Pacific. 

###