US Defense Secretary Affirms Support for Philippines Against China Amidst South China Sea Tensions
United States Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth met with Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos in Manila on Friday, underscoring the need for the two nations to stand “shoulder to shoulder” against China amidst escalating tensions in the South China Sea, Al Jazeera reports.
Hegseth’s visit to the Philippines marks the first stop on a tour of Asia Pacific allies, aimed at bolstering support against China’s growing influence in the region.
“Peace through strength is a very real thing,” Hegseth stated during the meeting at Malacanan Palace. He emphasized the importance of deterrence in the region, specifically in the Philippines, “considering the threats from the communist Chinese.” He added, “Friends need to stand shoulder-to-shoulder to deter conflict, to ensure that there’s free navigation.”
Hegseth affirmed US recognition of the Philippines’ firm stance in the disputed waters:
“Whether you call it the South China Sea or the West Philippine Sea, we recognise that your country has [to] stand very firm in that location and in defence of your nation.”
President Marcos welcomed Hegseth’s visit, stating it sent a “very strong message” of the allies’ commitment to strengthening their alliance.
This visit comes as the Trump administration seeks to rally allies in the Asia-Pacific region to counter China’s increasing power and influence. It also arrives amid heightened tensions between China and the Philippines over Beijing’s expansive territorial claims in the South China Sea.
Just days prior, Philippine Defence Secretary Gilberto Teodoro denounced Beijing’s claim to over 90 percent of the waterway as “the biggest fiction and lie.” This statement coincided with reports from the Philippine Coast Guard of another confrontation with Chinese vessels in the Scarborough Shoal.
Hegseth’s visit to the Philippines concludes on Saturday, after which he will travel to Japan, another key US treaty ally. In Japan, he is scheduled to meet with Japanese Defence Minister Gen Nakatani and attend a memorial service for servicemen killed during the Battle of Iwo Jima in World War II.
