US Secretary of Defense Lloyd J. Austin III expressed this commitment during his phone call with Defense Secretary Gilberto Teodoro Jr. on Wednesday, as announced by the US Embassy in Manila.

"Secretary Austin reaffirmed the ironclad US commitment to the Philippines following the PRC Coast Guard and maritime militia’s dangerous obstruction of a lawful Philippine resupply mission to Second Thomas Shoal on March 23," said a readout from the US Department of Defense.

They were referring to the incident in which a Philippine vessel carrying supplies for Filipino troops stationed at the BRP Sierra Madre, Unaizah May 4 suffered damage after receiving water cannon blasts from CCG ships in its approach to Ayungin Shoal. The CCG also conducted a "reverse blocking maneuver" against UM4 on the latter's approach to Ayungin Shoal "causing near collision," according to the government.

During the call, Austin and Teodoro also agreed to the importance of "preserving the rights of all nations to fly, sail, and operate safely and responsibly wherever international law allows."

Austin emphasized US support for the Philippines in defending its sovereign rights and jurisdiction, reiterating that the US-Philippines Mutual Defense Treaty extends to both countries’ armed forces, public vessels, and aircraft — including Coast Guard vessels —operating in the Pacific, including the South China Sea.

Moreover, two officials have agreed to "bolster bilateral and multilateral cooperation with like-minded partners in the South China Sea."

They also committed to accelerate several bilateral initiatives to enhance "information-sharing, interoperability, and capability enhancements" for the Armed Forces of the Philippines.

Both officials also emphasized that the 2016 arbitral ruling which favored the Philippines' claims in the West Philippine Sea and rejected China's nine-dash line is final and binding.