US Reaffirms Support for Philippines Alliance Amid Indo-Pacific Tensions

U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth met with Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. in Manila on Friday, reaffirming Washington's commitment to their alliance. Hegseth emphasized the importance of the 1951 mutual defense treaty and conveyed President Trump's support for the Philippines. Hegseth's visit, the first by a senior Trump administration official, is part of an Indo-Pacific tour focused on strengthening regional defense ties. He highlighted the need for military cooperation with Manila and addressed the South China Sea situation, citing "threats from the Communist Chinese" and advocating for deterrence and collective strength. Marcos acknowledged the "complicated" geopolitical environment and the shared roadmap for future cooperation, calling the U.S. "the greatest force for peace" in the region, particularly in the West Philippine Sea. He reaffirmed the U.S. as the Philippines' only treaty ally and a vital partner.