US EditionPhilippine President and Top U.S. Officials Vow to Ramp up Deterrence
METRO MANILA, PHILIPPINES, JUL 22 – The United States pledged defense support against armed attacks under the Mutual Defense Treaty amid China's aggressive claims in the West Philippine Sea, officials said.
- On July 21, 2025, Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos met US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth at the Pentagon, where an enhanced honor cordon was held ahead of their meeting.
- This meeting took place after Marcos's 2022 election amid increasing regional disputes linked to China's expansive maritime claims and assertive behavior in the waters surrounding the Philippines.
- Hegseth reaffirmed the U.S. commitment to uphold the 1951 Mutual Defense Treaty, which extends protection to armed forces, aircraft, and Coast Guard vessels in the Pacific.
- Hegseth affirmed that while they do not aim for conflict, they remain prepared and determined, highlighting the importance of building a robust deterrent to maintain lasting security and stability.
- The meeting reinforced U.S.-Philippines defense ties amid rising regional tensions and preceded Marcos's scheduled summit with U.S. President Donald Trump to discuss economic and security cooperation.
12 Articles
12 Articles
Marcos: PH-US alliance contributes to stability in South China Sea, Indo-Pacific
President Ferdinand ''Bongbong'' Marcos Jr. has expressed belief that the Philippines' ties with the United States had contributed in preserving peace and stability in the South China Sea and the Indo-Pacific region.
Marcos reaffirms alliance with US in meeting with its Defense chief
MANILA, Philippines — President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. stressed the importance of the Philippines-United States alliance in preserving peace and stability in the South China Sea and the broader Indo-Pacific region, amid rising geopolitical tensions.The President reaffirmed the long-standing alliance between the Philippines and the US during his meeting with US Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth at the Pentagon on Tuesday (Manila time).“I believe th…
US reaffirms defense aid for PH, support in West Philippine Sea
The Pentagon hosted an enhanced honor cordon for President Marcos ahead of his bilateral meeting with US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth. photo from Presidential Communications Office WASHINGTON DC — The United States has reaffirmed its commitment to the Philippines to provide defense and security support, including potential armed attacks in the West Philippine Sea, as geopolitical tension mounts across the globe. President Marcos on Monday met …
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