South China Sea, Focus of US-Philippine Defense Cooperation

TEHRAN (Defapress) - Yesterday, Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth hosted Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. at the Pentagon, where they reaffirmed their commitment to the U.S.-Philippines Mutual Defense Treaty and discussed bolstering security cooperation in the Asia-Pacific region. The meeting highlighted the enduring alliance, now stronger than ever, as both nations work to ensure peace and stability amid regional challenges.

"Our storied alliance has never been stronger or more essential than it is today," Hegseth declared, emphasizing the treaty’s coverage of armed attacks on either nation’s forces, aircraft, or public vessels, including Coast Guard assets, across the Pacific, notably the South China Sea. He underscored the U.S. priority to advance Trump’s “peace through strength” agenda, pledging collaboration with the Philippines and other regional partners to maintain a free and open Asia-Pacific.

The Philippines, a U.S. ally for seven decades, holds a strategic position in the South China Sea, making it a key partner. Hegseth praised joint efforts to modernize the Philippine armed forces and enhance collective defense, citing rapid progress in deterrence. A highlight was the Balikatan 2025 exercise, held from April 21 to May 9, which involved over 14,000 participants from the U.S., Philippines, and more than 20 other nations. The 40th iteration of the annual exercise, the largest to date, tested readiness across air, land, sea, cyber, information, and space domains, strengthening interoperability.

“We’re also deploying new cutting-edge missiles and unmanned systems, and revitalizing our defense industrial bases,” Hegseth added, stressing the need for a “strong shield of real deterrence” to ensure long-term security and prosperity.

President Marcos echoed the sentiment, noting the value of Balikatan 2025. “The officers and personnel involved say it was extremely useful,” he said, highlighting lessons learned in joint operations with U.S. and regional forces, including those from Australia and Canada. Marcos expressed satisfaction with U.S. support for modernizing the Philippine military, emphasizing the alliance’s role in preserving peace and stability in the South China Sea and the broader Indo-Pacific region.

“We are always very happy to continue to strengthen that relationship,” Marcos concluded, signaling optimism for future collaboration.