Clinton: US Committed to Philippine Security, Won’t Take Sides in Maritime Disputes

U.S. Secretary of State Hillary Clinton says Washington remains committed to Philippine security, but that the U.S. will not take sides in the country's ongoing maritime standoff with Beijing in the South China Sea.

Clinton made her comments in Washington Monday during talks with top diplomatic and defense officials from Manila.

She expressed “deep concern” at the nearly three-week standoff between the Philippines and China over the Scarborough Shoal, which is claimed by both countries. She said the U.S. supports a diplomatic solution to such territorial disputes.