United States Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth emphasized the need for the US and the Philippines to stand “shoulder to shoulder” against China in his meeting with Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos. This meeting took place amid scrutiny over Hegseth’s role in the accidental leaking of US strikes on Yemen.
Hegseth, who arrived in Manila on Friday as part of his Asia Pacific tour, stressed the importance of “peace through strength” and the necessity of deterrence in light of threats from China. He affirmed that the US acknowledges the Philippines’ need to stand firm against China’s claims in the South China Sea, which the Philippines refer to as the West Philippine Sea.
President Marcos noted that Hegseth’s visit underscores the allies’ commitment to strengthening their alliance, especially as the Trump administration works to rally support against China’s growing power and influence in the region.
The visit is also set against the backdrop of escalating tensions between China and the Philippines over territorial claims in the South China Sea. Philippine Defense Secretary Gilberto Teodoro has criticized China’s claims, labeling them as “the biggest fiction and lie.”
Following his trip to the Philippines, Hegseth will travel to Japan to meet with Japanese Defense Minister Gen Nakatani and to attend a memorial service for those killed in World War II’s Battle of Iwo Jima.