US Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin 3rd is looking forward to meeting with his Philippine counterpart Gilbert Teodoro Jr., in the upcoming Asean Defense Ministers Meeting (ADMM) conference in Jakarta to tackle in wider perspective the US-PH maritime engagements in the West Philippine Sea (WPS).

The Defense department, in a statement revealed that Austin called up Secretary Teodoro on Friday, highlighting US' unrelenting commitment in the WPS following China's 'dangerous and reckless maneuver' to block the resupply mission in Ayungin Shoal.