THE critical questions for Filipinos are: Will the United States defend the Philippines if there is a shoot-out with China in the Spratlys? How far will the United States go in terms of conforming to the Mutual Defence Treaty? Is mutual defence a myth, a misleading vague alliance for the United States to gain vested concessions? Echoing US President Barack Obamas statements, US Defence Secretary Chuck Hagel has said: The US is neutral and doesnt take any side on territorial disputes in the South China Sea. The US has criticised China over incidents in South-east Asia, but these are mere words. Observers say the only time the US will move is if the Strait of Malacca is closed by armed conflict. The United States will never permit international sea lanes to be blocked. When Egypt tried to close the Suez Canal, the US and British governments instantly sent an invasion force.
Posted on: Sun, 29 Jun 2014 10:39:28 +0000
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