US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo on Friday vowed to defend the Philippines against armed attack in the disputed South China Sea. <br />''<br />''Speaking in Manila after meeting with Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte, Pompeo said Beijing's building of artificial islands in waters which were also claimed by Manila and other neighbours are potential threats to the two allies.<br />''<br />''<br />''Addressing a joint news conference with Philippine Foreign Secretary Teodoro Locsin,  Mr Pompeo said China's island-building and military activities in the South China Sea threaten the Philippines' sovereignty, security and the economic livelihood.<br />''<br />''Pompeo's comments marked the first time any US official had publicly stated Washington's intent to defend its ally in the flashpoint sea.<br />''<br />''<br />''<span style="color: #222222;">A 1951 US-Philippine mutual defence treaty committed Manila and its former colonial master to come to each other's aid in case of an armed attack in the Pacific area on either party.</span><br />