Philippines says US obliged to defend Filipino forces if they’re attacked in disputed Spratlys

[Judi Lynn]

Source: Associated Press

Philippines says US obliged to defend Filipino forces if they’re attacked in disputed Spratlys
By Associated Press, Updated: Wednesday, June 22, 4:12 AM

MANILA, Philippines — Philippine officials say U.S. forces are obliged to help defend Filipino troops, ships or aircraft under a 1951 Mutual Defense Treaty if they come under attack in the disputed Spratly Islands in the South China Sea.

The Philippine Department of Foreign Affairs says in a policy paper, which was seen by The Associated Press on Wednesday, that the treaty requires Washington to help defend Filipino forces if they come under attack in the Spratlys.

The potentially oil- and gas-rich Spratly Islands have long been regarded as one of Asia’s possible flashpoints for conflict. China, the Philippines and Vietnam have been trading barbs and diplomatic protests recently over overlapping territorial claims, reigniting tension.



Read more: http://www.washingtonpost.com/world/asia-pacific/philippines-says-us-obliged-to-defend-filipino-forces-if-theyre-attacked-in-disputed-spratlys/2011/06/22/AGxEFWfH_story.html?wprss=rss_world

[madrchsod]

1. oil! send in the troops from afganistan...

we have to support the western oil companies from the chinese.

[ElsewheresDaughter]

2. why must our children be sacrificed continuously on the altar of the Corporate Oil Interest's God?.....

oh wait, never mind, that's right, it's Capitalism, silly me.

[No Elephants]

9. Bingo. It's part of the cost to us of the "free" market.

[FLPanhandle]

3. Most of the nations in SE Asia are worried about China's increasing power

Even if they band together in an alliance, they aren't enough of a deterrent to China. So, they are all looking to either Russia or the U.S. for alliance help.

China will be pressuring the US diplomatically to stay out of the region. I wouldn't be surprised to see China issue it's own version of a Monroe Doctrine in the next decade.

[ElsewheresDaughter]

4. that's fine with me...the sooner we will develope green alternatives

[cstanleytech]

5. Since it would be redundant to mention the oil again my question is

if the treaty is even valid anymore? After all it was signed a long time ago and they decided on their own not to renew the leases for the military bases we had there so it could be argued that they decided to terminate the treaty on their own by that decision.

[atreides1]

7. It probably is still valid.

Article VIII

This Treaty shall remain in force indefinitely. Either Party may terminate it one year after notice has been given to the other Party.

[cstanleytech]

8. Yes but my question is since they didnt want to renew the lease for the bases

could that be used by our government to say that the Philippians had terminated it assuming our government would decide it would not or could not render them the assistance?

[No Elephants]

10. No. .

[sofa king]

12. Just ask any American Indian whether that matters.

It doesn't. The highest law of the land is ultimately unenforceable and therefore total bullshit. Thus George Bush.

[harun]

6. Wha.... did somebody say OIL? Ships are on their way.

[No Elephants]

11. Phew! I was beginning to worry we'd run out of new places in which to war.

Well, okay, the South China Sea is not exactly a new place for us to war. But. it's a change from Afghanistan, Pakistan, Libya and Iraq.

Variety is the spice of life. Or whatever.

[Blue_Tires]

13. Good luck with that shit..

Although I'm sure for the right price some of our world-class mercenary firms will jump in and make your situation a thousand times worse...