The United States on Wednesday warned China of what the Philippines and Taiwan see as increasingly aggressive measures, reminding Beijing of Washington's obligations to its counterparts.
A spokesman for the State Department, Ned Price, reiterated at a regular conference that the US commitment to Taiwan was "strong."
"An armed attack against the Philippines' armed forces, public vessels,
or aircraft in the Pacific, including in the South China Sea, will automatically trigger our obligations under the US-Philippines Mutual Defense Treaty," Price told reporters.
"We share the concerns of our Filipino colleagues about the continued recruitment of Marine Corps' troops near the Whitsun Reef," Price said, referring to the People's Republic of China.
China sent more warplanes to Taiwan to the air defense base on Wednesday in a powerful demonstration around the island of Beijing claiming it, and Taiwan's Foreign Minister said he would fight to the end if China attacked.
China, which claims almost all of the world's richest resources, has rejected weeks of Philippine shipping requests, Manila said, illegally entering its exclusive economic zone.
Price expressed "concern" about Chinese measures, saying: "The United States retains the ability to withstand any form of coercion or other forms of coercion that may impose security or social or economic system in Taiwan."
He used language derived from the Taiwan Relations Act, under which the United States was obliged to provide the island with security measures in Beijing.
President Joe Biden has pledged to strongly defend his allies and, in an unusual move to continue with his predecessor Donald Trump, has supported strong and resolute Chinese reconciliation.
The democratic island complains of repeated military operations by Beijing in recent months, and the Chinese air force that conducts almost daily air raids in Taiwan. On Monday, China said the air force was training near the island.
Taiwan's defense ministry said 15 Chinese aircraft, including 12 soldiers, had entered its airspace, and anti-aircraft aircraft were heading south via the Bashi Channel between Taiwan and the Philippines.
The Taiwanese military has sent planes to deter and warn the Chinese, the department said.
In addition to the escalating military campaign, the U.S. Navy said archery John S. McCain made a regular route to the Taiwan Strait on Wednesday.
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