South China Sea and China (2011-2017)

[Ray]

One also does not know the state of the Chinese Navy to take on a joint threat.

Not directly stated that the US was abandoning it allies, but implied that unless attacked, the Mutual Defence Treaty with Philippines was merely an exercise on paper.

Apparently, it is not so.

This could also be read in context;

US lawmakers plan TRA enhancement
http://www.taipeitimes.com/News/fron.../18/2003506056

US Representative Ileana Ros-Lehtinen, chairman of the US House of Representatives’ Foreign Affairs Committee, told a special hearing on Taiwan that she would soon introduce new legislation “to enhance the Taiwan Relations Act [TRA].”.....\

She said Taiwan inspired all victims of Beijing’s oppression and struck fear into the hearts of “the cynical old men who still rule Beijing.”

Ros-Lehtinen said the hearing, “Why Taiwan Matters,” was especially timely and necessary because “it has come to my attention that there is a new spirit of appeasement in the air.”

“Some in Washington policy circles are suggesting that the time has come to recognize the reality of a rising China and to cut our ties to Taiwan,” she added. “This would be a terrible mistake which would have far-reaching ramifications about how the US treats its democratic allies — its friends.”

Ros-Lehtinen said Taiwan needs the means to defend itself from threats and intimidation.

This is a news report dated 28 June 2011.

The US apparently means business.

This is just what I have been repeating to all the appeasement theories that were being stated:
“This would be a terrible mistake which would have far-reaching ramifications about how the US treats its democratic allies — its friends.
and now the US Congressmen have openly subscribed to it!