US Secretary of State Antony Blinken says the United States affirms its "unwavering commitment to standing with the Philippines against any intimidation or coercion, including in the South China Sea," as the allies launch their largest-ever joint exercises aimed at Beijing's growing assertiveness in the region. The mutual defense treaty, signed in 1951 after the Philippines' independence from Washington, "applies to armed attacks on either of our armed forces, our aircraft or public vessels, including our Coast Guard, anywhere in the South China Sea," Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin adds during a press conference after rare joint talks in Washington with their Philippine counterparts.