TOKYO: The head of the United States Indo-Pacific Command said on Monday he was "very concerned" about increased joint military actions by China and Russia in the region. Adm. John C. Aquilino spoke in Tokyo as another regional concern, North Korea, conducted its latest intercontinental ballistic missile test, underscoring the advancement of its capabilities. Japan has territorial disputes with China over the Tokyo-controlled East China Sea islands that Beijing also claims. Standoffs between China and the Philippines over a number of disputed offshore areas in the South China Sea have escalated this year. The United States has warned China that it is obligated to defend the Philippines, its treaty ally, if Filipino forces come under attack.

Source: Manila Times December 19, 2023 17:49 UTC