US FONOPs 'reinforced' PH effort to uphold int'l law in WPS - envoy
Philippine News Agency
By Joyce Ann L. Rocamora
August 14, 2025, 10:49 pm
MANILA -- The United States' conduct of freedom of navigation operations (FONOPs) near the Bajo de Masinloc has helped support 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, days after two Chinese vessels collided with one another as they attempted to chase away BRP Suluan near the feature, also known as the Scarborough Shoal.
"The freedom of navigation operations are very important for demonstrating that the United States military, and in this case specifically our Navy, will fly, sail, and operate anywhere that international law allows," Carlson said in an interview in Pasay City on Thursday.
"We're really pleased that the freedom of navigation operation was able to reinforce what the Philippines is doing to protect and to uphold international law of the sea in your jurisdiction here," she added.
The envoy said demonstrating free passage in the South China Sea and the West Philippine Sea is "really critical" not only for the US and the Philippines but the entire international community.
"In this waterway in the West Philippine Sea and the South China Sea, freedom of navigation is essential for the trillions of dollars worth of commerce that passes through these waters," she said.
"It's not only about the Coast Guard or the Navy or the military or security or defense— it's about commerce, it's about lives and livelihoods," she added.
The US uses FONOPs to challenge excessive maritime claims and preserve navigation, overflight, and other rights/freedoms guaranteed to all nations under international law. (PNA)
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