US Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin —File photo

PUERTO PRINCESA, PALAWAN, Philippines — US Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin III said on Tuesday that Washington’s support for the Philippines would continue even with the change of administration in the United States.

In a joint news briefing with Defense Secretary Gilberto Teodoro Jr. at the military’s Western Command headquarters in Puerto Princesa City, Palawan, Austin said there was strong bipartisan support in the United States for Manila and Washington’s alliance.

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“And the strength of our alliance, I think, will transcend change in the administration going forward,” Austin said.

US President-elect Donald Trump will be sworn into office on Jan. 20, 2025.

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In the same briefing, Austin reiterated Washington’s commitment to Manila that the Mutual Defense Treaty between them covers armed attacks against Filipino troops in the heavily disputed South China Sea, which Beijing claims almost in its entirety.

He also cited Beijing’s “dangerous” and “escalatory” actions to assert its expansive claims in the South China Sea. —Nestor Corrales

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