Amid renewed questions over the United States' security obligations to the Philippines, Washington is hoping to bring Manila back into its orbit. During a March 1 visit to the Philippines, U.S. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo tried to reassure Manila of Washington's commitment to their 68-year-old Mutual Defense Treaty. Specifically, Pompeo emphasized that the United States would uphold Article 4 of the treaty, verbally adding that "any armed attack on Philippines forces, aircraft or public vessels in the South China Sea will trigger mutual defense obligations." Pompeo underscored that Beijing's artificial islands and military activities in the South China Sea threaten both regional freedom of navigation, as well as the Philippines' security....
