Biden’s comments to defend Philippines from any attack in South China Sea welcomed

Shadow Foreign Minister Simon Birmingham has welcomed US President Joe Biden’s comments the US will defend the Philippines from any attack in the South China Sea. Mr Biden during his meeting on Thursday with Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida said, “Any attack on Philippine aircraft, vessels or armed forces in the South China Sea would invoke our mutual defence treaty”. Mr Birmingham said the comments from the US President demonstrate the commitment the United States has to its presence in the region. “These are strong and decisive comments from President Biden,” he told Sky News Australia. “So, it’s a real demonstration that the US remains engaged, remains committed, it's creating the type of deterrence that hopefully can avoid conflict and create space for diplomacy to do its job.”