White House urges Philippines not to choose between China, US

MANILA, Philippines — Despite the bitter maritime row, Susan Rice, President Barack Obama's National Security Adviser, urged the Philippines and other Southeast Asian nations not to side with any of the major powers in Asia.

Rice, whose address at Brookings Institution on Monday was released by the White House, said the US' rebalance is aimed at helping the region "achieve its full potential," which may only be true if there is greater cooperation among the Southeast Asian countries.

"Southeast Asia is brimming with enormous potential. It's also facing serious questions about how to adapt as several major powers become more active in the region," Rice said.

She noted that besides the US' foreign policy pivot, China has been rising at a rapid pace alongside Japan's re-emergence as a global force. India, meanwhile, is becoming more and more significant economically and militarily.

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"These trends ought to be an opportunity for greater cooperation, not just competition," she said. "Southeast Asian nations should not have to choose sides among major powers, particularly when it comes to the United States and China."

Rice said that at the "heart" of the US agenda is to preserve independence and sovereignty of its partners in Asia amid "threats" like climate change, humanitarian crises like typhoons, violent extremism and maritime disputes.

She also said that America's relationship with China is critical to the future of the region as well as the US and the world.

The US is also working on deepening trade ties through US Commerce Secretary Penny Pritzer's delegation of American business leaders who visited the Philippines last June, she said.

America has similarly sought expansion in defense ties, specifically a new Enhanced Defense Cooperation Agreement with the Philippines.

"We're also enhancing security cooperation with nations like Malaysia and Vietnam, by improving their capacity to contribute to Maritime security," Rice added, mentioning two other countries with standing maritime rivalry with China.

"Each year, the ties between our peoples grow stronger. And, as we continue working together toward our shared future, the United States will remain a reliable partner and a true friend to all the people of the region," Rice said.