U.S. Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth reaffirmed the country’s strong commitment to its alliance with the Philippines during his official visit to the Southeast Asian country on Friday. Hegseth held talks with Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. in Manila, where they underlined the importance of bilateral cooperation in defense and security. Both sides emphasized their shared commitment to maintaining peace and stability in the Indo-Pacific region.
Hegseth reiterated the U.S.’s “ironclad” commitment to the Mutual Defence Treaty with the Philippines, stressing its vital role as a deterrent to safeguard regional peace and security. Marcos described the visit as a strong message of both countries’ commitment to furthering cooperation in maintaining peace across the Indo-Pacific.
This visit marks Hegseth’s first stop on his tour of Asia since taking office as U.S. Secretary of Defense. The administration of President Donald Trump is continuing efforts to strengthen ties with allies throughout the Asia-Pacific region. Japan is scheduled to be the next stop on Hegseth’s tour.
The meeting between Hegseth and Marcos highlights the importance of the U.S.-Philippines alliance in maintaining regional peace and security. The two countries have a long history of cooperation, and the meeting is seen as a demonstration of their commitment to each other and to the region. The visit is also part of the U.S. efforts to strengthen its relationships with its allies in the Asia-Pacific region, as it continues to promote peace, stability, and prosperity in the region.