Template:Ask Mindy
"Hi, Mindy! The ongoing presence of around 200 Chinese vessels on the Julian Felipe Reef in the Spratly Islands, which lies within the Philippines’ exclusive economic zone (EEZ), has sparked concern among many Filipinos who believed that the United States should intervene to counter China’s military might. Is it possible for the United States to intervene militarily?" - Rodel
Hi, Rodel! There are some diplomatic ways to iron out disagreement between two countries without resorting to military action or provocation. As member of the United Nations, we are committed to settle international disputes in a peaceful means so that the international peace is not threatened. However, in an event that the Philippine’s armed forces is attacked, the United States is obligated and bound to defend our country under the US-Philippine Mutual Defense Treaty. Signed in 1951, the treaty contains eight articles and dictates for both nations to support each other if an external party attacked the Philippines or the United States. Just earlier this year, the US reaffirmed its commitment to defend the Philippines if a hostile country attacks us. Again, let’s pray that it won’t come to that point and hope that peace always prevails. - Mindy