US Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth has said that the United States will enhance its military partnership with the Philippines to strengthen deterrence against China against its aggressive postures in the Indo-Pacific region. Hegseth, who is on a visit to Manila, said, “Together, we’ll encourage our other partners and allies in the region to step up their efforts and their cooperation to increase defence capabilities and strengthen deterrence.” During a joint press conference with his Philippines counterpart, Gilbert Teodoro, US Defence Secretary asserted that the US will deploy more advanced military assets for joint training, improve interoperability for “high-end operations”, and focus on strengthening defence industrial cooperation.
Hegseth termed US-Philippines ties as ‘ironclad alliance’
Hegseth emphasized that these initiatives demonstrate the US-Philippines’ “ironclad alliance’s” strength, particularly in reaction to Communist China’s regional aggression, CNN reported.
Despite an international verdict that denies its authority over the region, the Philippines has notably continued to be at the vanguard of China’s increasing assertiveness in the South China water as Beijing seeks to impose its claim to the majority of the water.
Hegseth stated that he would “truly prioritise a shift to the Indo-Pacific with the recognition that for the 21st century to be a free century, America needs to stand alongside our allies and partners shoulder to shoulder.” He also stated that the United States is prepared to stand with its allies and partners.
“Together, we will encourage our other partners and allies in the region to step up their efforts and their cooperation to increase defense capabilities and strengthen deterrence,” he added in reference to the US-Philippines partnership.
US Defence Secretary praises US-Japan relations
Hegseth is currently in Japan after visiting the Philippines, where he attended a memorial service on Iwo Jima on Saturday to honor those who lost their lives in combat during World War II and lauded the closeness and trust that his nation and Japan had built.
His visit follows President Donald Trump’s threats to impose trade penalties on the East Asian nation, a crucial US partner, and Beijing’s more assertive tactics in the disputed South China Sea.
