US to China: We Will Protect the Philippines

In a face-off between the defense chiefs of China and the US, Defense Secretary Chuck Hagel told his Chinese counterpart on Tuesday that his country does not have the right to unilaterally establish an air defense zone over disputed islands with no consultation, reports Inquirer.net. Hagel said America will protect Japan, the Philippines and other allies locked in disputes with China, as laid out in US treaty obligations.