Obama invites Aquino to resolve territorial conflicts

This article was last updated on April 16, 2022

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President Obama invited President Aquino to visit the Oval Office. Both the presidents called for diplomacy to resolve territorial clashes without the use of force. They met at the White House against the backdrop of a two month argument between Chinese and Philippines vessels at a disputed shoal in South China Sea.   

The China and Philippines pulled back vessels after a dispute over the Scarborough Shoal that is located near the main Philippine island of Luzon.    

Addressing reporters next to Aquino in the Oval Office, Obama said the two leaders spoke about “trying to make sure that we have a strong set of international norms and rules governing maritime disputes in the region” and “underscored the importance of the principles of ensuring freedom of navigation, respect for international law and unimpeded lawful commerce.”

The U.S. Government’s strong support was welcomed by President Aquino to build a credible defense posture and it was evidenced by the growing number of bilateral exercises and training programs, the transfer of a second U.S. Coast Guard Cutter to the Philippine Navy and the renewed commitment of support for the Philippine National Coast Watch System.

“I’ve always found President Aquino to be a thoughtful and very helpful partner,” Obama said.

He added to that “And I think that as a consequence of the meeting today in which we discussed not only military and economic issues, but also regional issues, for example, trying to make sure that we have a strong set of international norms and rules governing maritime disputes in the region, that I’m very confident that we’re going to see continued friendship and strong cooperation between our two countries.”