US and Philippines step up strategic partnership as China threats loom in South China Sea

News Snapshot:

Secretary of State Antony Blinken, second from left, speaks during a bilateral meeting with Philippines Foreign Affairs Secretary Enrique Manalo, second from right, at Department of State in Washington, Friday April 12, 2024. (AP Photo/Jose Luis Magana) WASHINGTON – The Biden administration on Friday reassured the Philippines anew that the U.S. commitment to the islands' defense is steadfast amid increasing concerns about provocative Chinese actions in disputed areas of the South China Sea. A day after President Joe Biden convened a trilateral summit involving himself, Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida and Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., the U.S. and Filipino...