MANILA,Philippines — United States Ambassador to the Philippines MaryKay Carlson underscored the importance of recent American naval operations near the Scarborough Shoal, describing them as vital demonstrations of her country’s commitment to freedom of navigation and the enforcement of international maritime law.
Speaking on Friday evening at a welcome reception for US Embassy Public Diplomacy Officers in Makati City, Ambassador Carlson reiterated Washington’s position that its military would “fly, sail, and operate anywhere that international law allows.”
“All vessels are entitled to innocent passage,” she said. “That right is fundamental — not just for our warships, but to ensure that commercial vessels can safely and freely navigate international waters.”
US Ambassador to the Philippines MaryKay Carlson. EPA-EFE/FRANCIS R. MALASIG
Carlson emphasized that the US military’s freedom of navigation operations served as a crucial signal to the international community that the United States remains committed to protecting maritime norms.
“These operations are essential to demonstrate that the US military has a serious obligation to uphold and defend international law at sea,” she added.
