Blinken Says US Stands by 'Ironclad' Commitments to Defend Philippines

U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken, center, and Philippines' Secretary of Foreign Affairs Enrique Manalo attend a working luncheon at the Sofitel Hotel in Manila on March 19, 2024.

U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken said Tuesday that the United States stands by its "ironclad" commitments to defend longtime ally the Philippines against armed attack in the South China Sea.