US and Philippines Form New Joint Task Force
According to Reuters, the US Department of Defense said on Friday that the US and the Philippines have formed a new joint task force to strengthen cooperation and enhance military readiness in the region, including the South China Sea.
According to a statement from Pentagon spokesperson Sean Parnell, the new unit named "Task Force-Philippines" will "enhance operational cooperation, improve joint planning, and increase interoperability, especially in the South China Sea."
The Pentagon released the statement after US Defense Secretary Austin met with Philippine Defense Secretary Teodoro in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia on Friday.
The statement noted that during their fourth meeting, the US and Philippine defense ministers "jointly expressed their determination to rebuild deterrence in the region."
It is reported that there is already an "Scarlet Reef Task Force" composed of US personnel that supports the Philippine military's actions in the South China Sea.
Previously, on the morning of October 31, the Chinese Minister of National Defense held talks with US Defense Secretary Austin.
Austin posted on the social platform Х that he was concerned about China's actions in the South China Sea, around Taiwan, and against American allies and partners. He stated that the United States does not seek conflict and will continue to resolutely defend its interests in the region.
The Chinese minister stated that China is committed to peaceful development while firmly safeguarding national security interests, and has sufficient capability to deal calmly with acts of infringement and provocation. He hopes that the US will implement its statements of not containing China and not seeking conflict into actions, and work with China to inject positive energy into regional and world peace and security.
Original: www.toutiao.com/article/1847577616165964/
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