South China Sea collision not reason to invoke defence treaty with U.S., says Philippine president

MANILA (Reuters) – A recent collision of Philippine and Chinese vessels in the South China Sea is not the time or reason to invoke a Mutual Defense Treaty with the United States, Philippines President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. said on Wednesday.

But the continuing dangerous manoeuvres and actions against the Philippine coastguard is viewed with great alarm, Marcos told reporters in Australia. The 1951 treaty between the Philippines and United States binds them to defend each other if under attack.

(Reporting by Neil Jerome Morales; Editing by Martin Petty)