This is CBS I On The World.

Here's John Batchler.

The Philippine Islands, the news from these last days, President Joe Biden told his counterpart

Ferdinand Marcus Jr. that the U.S. commitment to the defense of its ally was, quote,

iron clad, including in the South China Sea, where Manila is under pressure from China.

Gordon Chang at Gordon G. Chang, my colleague and co-host, and we go immediately to James

Phanell, our colleague who has experienced in these waters.

He served as U.S. Navy captain, retired, served as Director of Intelligence and Information

Operations of the U.S. Pacific Fleet.

He's now a government fellow at the Geneva Center for Security Policy in Switzerland.

James, a very good evening to you.

What is it about the Philippines that makes the People's Republic of China with their

money and their bullying?

Believe they can persuade, it can persuade Mr. Marcus and Manila to their side of the

equation.

I believe she was in Manila recently or in long conversation with Mr. Marcus.

And now the United States equally approaches the Philippines with persuasion.

It's time not the bullying, but the suggestion of prosperity and development.

What about the Philippines?

Is it a non-line?

What is its place in the position of the Pacific and the seventh fleet?

Good evening to you.

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