Daniel R. Russel: “The U.S. is and remains fully committed to our mutual defense treaty and to the security of the Philippines.”

We have united the world so that North Korea is denied regular access to the international system.

The President was able to point out that the United States will not compromise with our security or with the security of our allies.

I think that this is a classic case of Beijing seeking to exploit the inherent rights and freedoms of maritime user states in UNCLOS, without accepting the limitations and the responsibilities of UNCLOS members.

We deter North Korea through a strong defensive military posture rooted in our alliances with South Korea and Japan.