On July 21, Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth met with Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos, Jr. to discuss progress in accelerating the defense relationship and reestablishing deterrence in the Asia-Pacific region. The leaders reaffirmed their commitment to the U.S.-Philippines Mutual Defense Treaty and underscored the importance of the ironclad U.S.-Philippine alliance to achieving Peace through Strength. Secretary Hegseth commended the Philippines as a model ally and applauded President Marcos for his leadership and resolve in standing up to aggressive and coercive actions in the South China Sea. He also emphasized the United States' commitment to enhancing Philippine economic resilience and national security, including through strengthening both countries' defense industrial bases. The leaders confirmed their intent to collaborate further to modernize the Armed Forces of the Philippines and the Philippine Coast Guard and enhance collective defense and deterrence.
Secretary Hegseth will join President Trump and President Marcos for a White House meeting to further discuss the U.S.-Philippines Alliance.