MANILA, Philippines – The United States reaffirmed its commitment to the U.S.-Philippines Alliance, including addressing China’s “destabilizing actions” in the South China Sea (SCS), during a meeting between officials of the two nations in Munich.
In a readout provided by the U.S. State Department’s Office of the Spokesperson Tammy Bruce, it stated that Secretary of State Marco Rubio met with Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) Secretary Enrique Manalo at the sidelines of the Munich Security Conference.
“Secretary Rubio not only reaffirmed U.S. commitment to the United States-Philippines Alliance, but noted his enthusiasm for building an even more invested and enduring relationship,” Bruce stated.
“Discussions included the ongoing bilateral coordination on addressing China’s destabilizing actions in the South China Sea; and increasing economic cooperation on infrastructure, critical minerals, information technology, and energy, including through civil nuclear cooperation,” Bruce added.
“Had the opportunity to meet with Philippine Secretary of Foreign Affairs [Enrique] Manalo during the Munich Security Conference. We discussed how we can strengthen the U.S.-Philippine Alliance to address China’s destabilizing actions in the South China Sea and increase the economic prosperity of our citizens,” Rubio mentioned on X.
In a phone call last month, Rubio and Manalo discussed China's "dangerous and destabilizing actions in the South China Sea,” saying it undermines regional peace and stability and is inconsistent with international law.”
Rubio "underscored the United States’ ironclad commitments to the Philippines" under their Mutual Defense Treaty and discussed ways to advance security cooperation, expand economic ties and deepen regional cooperation, the statement from the U.S. State Department said.
The Philippines has been embroiled in wrangles at sea with China in the past two years and the two countries have faced off regularly around disputed features in the South China Sea that fall inside Manila's exclusive economic zone.
Meanwhile, Manalo underscored the PH-US partnership in various areas as it contributes to a robust alliance.
“A great first in person meeting with Secretary Rubio at #MSC2025. A strong and committed PH-US partnership in various areas will contribute to a more robust alliance. We are committed to working together to further strengthen economic & security ties,” Manalo stated on X.
Earlier, the DFA mentioned that the Philippines will pursue commitments to safeguard a rules-based international order and the rule of law in Munich.
Secretary Manalo is now in Germany to participate in the 61st Munich Security Conference (MSC) on February 14-16, 2025, and will proceed to the United Kingdom to meet with partners and UK officials, the DFA confirmed.
“The Secretary’s trips aim to exchange views with several international partners on regional developments, and discuss means to further strengthen bilateral relations, including the commitment to safeguard a rules-based international order and the rule of law,” the DFA added.
