United States Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin said on Tuesday the Mutual Defense Treaty between Washington and Manila applies to armed attack in the South China Sea.

The deal gives Manila access to capabilities like advanced satellite imagery that analysts say will help counter China’s grey-zone tactics.

Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. has signed two laws reaffirming the extent of his country’s maritime territories and right to resources, including in the South China Sea, where the new laws clash with Beijing’s extensive territorial claims.