Pasay city: The United States' conduct of freedom of navigation operations (FONOPs) near the Bajo de Masinloc has supported Manila in its efforts to promote international law in the area, said US Ambassador to the Philippines MaryKay Carlson. Two US warships-USS Higgins (DDG-76) and USS Cincinnati (LCS 20)-conducted FONOPs approximately 102 nautical miles from Zambales on Wednesday, following an incident where two Chinese vessels collided while attempting to chase away BRP Suluan near the feature, also known as the Scarborough Shoal.

According to Philippines News Agency, Carlson emphasized the importance of these operations, stating that they demonstrate that the United States military, and specifically the Navy, will fly, sail, and operate wherever international law permits. In an interview in Pasay City on Thursday, she expressed satisfaction that the FONOPs reinforced the Philippines' efforts to protect and uphold international law of the sea within its jurisdiction.

The envoy highlighted that demonstrating free passage in the South China Sea and the West Philippine Sea is crucial not only for the US and the Philippines but for the entire international community. She noted that freedom of navigation in these waterways is vital for the trillions of dollars of commerce that transit through these waters.

Carlson underscored that the issue extends beyond military and defense considerations to encompass commerce, lives, and livelihoods. The US conducts FONOPs to challenge excessive maritime claims and to preserve navigation, overflight, and other rights and freedoms guaranteed to all nations under international law.