Clinton supports RP over Spratlys

Thu, 16 Sep 1999 | Source: REUTERS

MANILA (Reuters): President Bill Clinton has pledged U.S. support for the Philippines in the event of any conflict over the disputed Spratly Islands, Philippine President Joseph Estrada said on Wednesday.

Estrada, in an interview with the Manila radio station DZMM from Auckland, New Zealand, said Clinton made the pledge during their talks on the sidelines of the just-ended Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) summit.

The Spratlys are a cluster of potentially oil-rich isles, reefs and rocky outcrops in the South China Sea claimed wholly or in part by China, the Philippines, Taiwan, Vietnam, Malaysia and Brunei. The issue periodically sours relations between claimants.

Asked if the U.S. statement would also apply in case of a Philippine conflict with China, Estrada said: "Whoever it is we get into conflict with, if there is intrusion into our territory, if there is external aggression, they are ready to defend our country. This does not refer to China only."

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