MANILA, Philippines – The United States and the Philippines discussed “reestablishing deterrence in the South China Sea”, including by working with allies and partners, according to the U.S. Department of Defense.
In a readout provided by Pentagon Spokesman John Ullyot, newly confirmed U.S. Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth and Philippine Secretary of National Defense Gilberto Teodoro, Jr., held an introductory call on Wednesday (Feb. 5) to discuss defense cooperation in the U.S.-Philippines Alliance.
“The leaders discussed the importance of reestablishing deterrence in the South China Sea, including by working with allies and partners. They also discussed enhancing the capability and capacity of the Armed Forces of the Philippines,” the readout stated.
The Secretary reaffirmed the ironclad U.S. commitment to the 1951 Mutual Defense Treaty and its importance for maintaining a secure and prosperous Indo-Pacific. He pledged to remain in close coordination with Secretary Teodoro, the readout added.
Courtesy of U.S. Department of Defense website
Meanwhile, Teodoro congratulated Secretary Hegseth on his recent appointment and expressed the Philippines’ commitment to working closely with the U.S. in advancing shared defense priorities, according to a news release from the Department of National Defense (DND).
According to the DND, the Philippine defense chief also affirmed the importance of deepening defense cooperation to strengthen deterrence against coercive and destabilizing actions in the West Philippine Sea (WPS), as well as upholding the rules-based international order.
The two defense chiefs discussed ongoing collaborative efforts, future investments for increased deterrence and defense industry development, and agreed to further extend the alliance through the inclusion of like-minded partners in defense initiatives for greater impact. Both officials also looked forward to future high-level meetings, the DND stated.
The call concluded with both officials reaffirming their commitment to a great era of Philippines-U.S. defense partnership and exploring other areas of cooperation to a secure and prosperous Indo-Pacific, the DND added.
