US Defence Secretary, Pete Hegseth has reaffirmed Washington’s unwavering support for its alliance with the Philippines.
The visit marked the first official trip to the Philippines by a senior Trump administration official and is part of Hegseth’s broader Indo-Pacific tour focused on advancing regional defence ties.
In a meeting with President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. in Manila, Hegseth emphasized the enduring importance of the mutual defense treaty signed by the two countries in 1951.
“I had a chance to speak just a few minutes ago to our president, President Trump, who sends his regards to you as well, thinks very fondly of this great country, is very committed to the alliance that we have, to the friendship that we have, the cooperation that we have.
“He and I both want to express the ironclad commitment we have to the mutual defence treaty and to the partnership, economically, militarily, which our staffs have worked on diligently for weeks and weeks and months.”
Pete Hegseth
Hegseth highlighted the importance of strengthening military cooperation with Manila, describing it as “mutually beneficial” and “critically important” for both countries.
Hegseth added that starting his Indo-Pacific tour in the Philippines was deliberate, calling the visit an opportunity for “deeper conversations about partnership” and praised the country’s leadership as a valued US ally.
Addressing the situation in the South China Sea, Hegseth emphasized the need for deterrence and collective strength in the region, citing “threats from the Communist Chinese” and underscoring that “peace through strength is a very real thing.”
“Deterrence is necessary around the world but specifically in this region, in your country, considering the threats from the communist Chinese.
“Friends need to stand shoulder to shoulder to deter conflict, to ensure that there is free navigation whether you call it the South China Sea or the West Philippine Sea.”
Pete Hegseth
He acknowledged the Philippines’ strong position in asserting its territorial rights, saying the country had “stood very firm” in defending its maritime claims
In recent months, the Philippines has accused China of “dangerous” military manoeuvres in the South China Sea, a crucial waterway that Beijing claims in almost its entirety.
Manila said in February that a Chinese helicopter flew within three metres of a Philippine patrol plane above the disputed Scarborough Shoal.
Under their mutual defence treaty, the US is obligated to help defend the Philippines if Filipino forces, ships and aircraft come under an armed attack in the Pacific, including in the South China Sea.
Ahead of Hegseth’s visit, Chinese Defense Ministry spokesperson Wu Qian said China opposes “interference from outside countries” in the South China Sea.
Symbol Of Renewed Commitment
On his part, Marcos called Hegseth’s visit symbolic of a renewed commitment between the two allies to uphold peace and security in the Indo-Pacific.
He referred to the current geopolitical environment as “complicated” but said the two countries shared a clear roadmap for future cooperation.
He reaffirmed that the United States remains the Philippines’ only treaty ally and a vital partner in the region.
“We have always understood the principle that the greatest force for peace in this part of the world would be the United States. That is why it is very important.”
Ferdinand Marcos Jr.
Since starting his presidency in June 2022, Marcos has aligned his country closely with the US, in a shift from his predecessor Rodrigo Duterte who had deepened ties with China.
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