The Philippines’ clarification of when maritime confrontations with China would trigger its defense pact with the United States reflect Manila’s bolder efforts to regain initiative in the South China Sea. In an interview with CNN Philippines over the weekend, the chief of the Armed Forces of the Philippines, Lt. Gen. Andres Centino, clarified Manila’s stance on the invocation of its Mutual Defense Treaty (MDT) with the United States, which pledges U.S. assistance if the Philippines comes under attack, following China’s Nov. 16 use of water cannons against Philippine supply ships. Specifically, Centino said that “the act of using the water cannon against our vessel [was] not considered an armed attack,” though it could be seen as “a hostile act.” Hostile acts do not trigger the MDT, which only pledges U.S. assistance if the Philippines comes under an armed attack. Centino’s clarification thus temporarily eases concerns that future clashes could draw...
