Manila: U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth reinforced Washington's strong commitment to its alliance with the Philippines during a visit to Manila on Friday. He emphasized the importance of deterrence in the South China Sea in response to China’s assertive actions in the region.
Hegseth met with Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., where both leaders underscored the enduring partnership between their nations. They reaffirmed their shared dedication to maintaining stability and security in the Indo-Pacific.
"Deterrence is essential globally, but particularly here, considering the threats posed by communist China," Hegseth stated.
The Philippines is the first stop on Hegseth’s tour of Asia, a trip that comes amid controversy over leaked U.S. military plans concerning operations against Houthi militants in Yemen, which were reportedly shared on a public messaging app.
During his visit, Hegseth conveyed greetings from U.S. President Donald Trump, reaffirming Trump’s strong support for the Philippines. "President Trump holds this nation in high regard and remains dedicated to our alliance and cooperation," Hegseth said. "Both he and I want to emphasize our unwavering commitment to the Mutual Defense Treaty and our broader partnership, including military and economic collaboration."
Marcos welcomed the visit, viewing it as a demonstration of U.S. support for its long-standing ally. "This visit sends a powerful message about the commitment of our two countries to maintaining peace in the Indo-Pacific, particularly in the South China Sea," Marcos stated.
The meeting took place amid escalating tensions between the Philippines and China, with frequent confrontations over territorial disputes in the South China Sea.
Ahead of Hegseth’s arrival, Chinese defense ministry spokesperson Wu Qian issued a statement cautioning against U.S.-Philippine military ties, suggesting that they should not threaten the security of other nations. "The U.S. has a long history of breaking promises and abandoning its allies," Wu remarked during a press briefing in Beijing on Thursday.
