Washington’s defense commitment to Manila is “ironclad”, US President Joe Biden said as he criticized Beijing’s actions in the West Philippine Sea.

In a press conference on Thursday, Biden briefly expressed US support for the Philippines.

“I want to be very clear. The United States defense commitment to the Philippines is ironclad,” Biden said, repeating the last phrase for emphasis.

“Any attack on Filipino aircraft, vessels or armed forces will invoke our Mutual Defense Treaty with the Philippines,” he added.

Meanwhile, in a separate joint statement issued Thursday, Biden and Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said it is important for all States to “exercise rights and freedom in a manner consistent with international law.”

“We strongly oppose destabilizing actions in the South China Sea, such as unsafe encounters at sea and in the air, the militarization of disputed features, the dangerous use of coast guard vessels and maritime militia, including interfering with routine Philippines maritime operations around Second Thomas Shoal, and efforts to disrupt other countries’ offshore resource exploitation,” said Biden and Albanese.

“We also recognize that the 2016 South China Sea Arbitral Award is final and legally binding on the parties in that proceeding, and we are concerned about China’s excessive maritime claims that are inconsistent with international law, as well as unilateral actions that may raise tensions and increase the risk of miscalculation in the region,” they added.