US Troops Support Philippine Task Force Ayungin

The United States has deployed troops to support the Philippines' Task Force Ayungin in the South China Sea, as confirmed by US Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin during his visit to Palawan. This task force, named after the Ayungin Shoal, is part of a broader US-Philippine collaboration aimed at addressing regional security challenges and promoting a free and open Indo-Pacific. Analysts suggest the US involvement could reinforce Manila's position amid rising tensions with China, but might also provoke a strong response from Beijing. The US support includes intelligence, surveillance, reconnaissance, and unmanned surface vessels, with no direct participation in Philippine operations. This deployment underscores the 'ironclad' US-Philippine Mutual Defense Treaty and reflects ongoing efforts to counter Chinese actions in the disputed waters. The Ayungin Shoal has been a focal point of conflict, with the Philippines accusing China of obstructing its resupply missions to the area.