MANILA, Philippines - The United States is more likely to be involved in a “shooting war” in the disputed South China Sea than the Philippines but the latter would be embroiled in such a conflict just the same because of its 1951 Mutual Defence Treaty with Washington, the Philippine defence chief said Tuesday. Article Continued BelowThe top American diplomat assured that the U.S. is committed to ensuring the South China Sea remains open to all kinds of navigation and that “China does not pose a threat” of closing the disputed sea lanes. “The United States, with the increased and frequent passage of its naval vessels in the West Philippine Sea, is more likely to be involved in a shooting war,” Lorenzana said in a statement, using the Philippine name for the South China Sea. “In such a case and on the basis of the Mutual Defence Treaty, the Philippines will be automatically involved,” Lorenzana said. It is being involved in a war that we do not seek and do not want,” Lorenzana said.

Source: thestar March 05, 2019 03:23 UTC