MANILA, Philippines — U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth stated that the Trump administration aims to strengthen military ties with the Philippines to bolster deterrence against “threats from the communist Chinese” and ensure freedom of navigation in the disputed South China Sea.

During his first trip to Asia, Hegseth met with President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. in the Philippines, emphasizing Washington’s “ironclad” commitment to the region under Trump. China previously criticized the United States as a “predator” and an unreliable ally ahead of this visit.

Trump’s “America First” foreign policy has raised concerns in Asia regarding the extent of the U.S. commitment to the region.

Hegseth’s decision to prioritize the Philippines on his Asian tour, followed by Japan—both U.S. treaty allies facing territorial disputes with China—demonstrated a strong U.S. commitment to maintaining a security presence in the region.

Referring to the communist Chinese threats, Hegseth said, “Friends need to stand shoulder to shoulder to deter conflict and ensure free navigation, whether you call it the South China Sea or the West Philippine Sea.”

Hegseth praised the Philippines for standing firm in defending its interests in the contested waters.

China claims most of the South China Sea, a significant security and global trade route, and overlapping claims are held by the Philippines, Vietnam, Malaysia, Brunei, and Taiwan. Confrontations between Chinese and Philippine coast guard and naval forces have escalated in recent years.

Source: https://time.com/7272412/hegseth-philippines-south-china-sea-deterrence-strength-indo-pacific-security/