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AMERICA, ARMED FORCES OF THE PHILIPPINES, ASIA, ASSOCIATED PRESS, BEIJING, BIDEN, BRP SIERRA MADRE, BRUNEI, CHINA, DEFENSE, GILBERT, HEGSETH, INDO - PACIFIC, JOHN ULLYOT, JOSE MANUEL ROMUALDEZ, MALAYSIA, MANILA, MEXICO, NORTH AMERICA, PACIFIC, PENTAGON, PHILIPPINE, PHILIPPINE COAST GUARD, PHILIPPINES, SOUTH CHINA SEA, SOUTH CHINA SEA DISPUTE, TAIWAN, TERRITORIAL DISPUTE, TERRITORIAL DISPUTES, THE ASSOCIATED PRESS, U. S, UNITED STATES, VIETNAM, WASHINGTON
Clara Montgomery
U.S. Defense Secretary Hegseth to Discuss South China Sea Concerns in Manila
U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth will visit the Philippines on March 28-29 to discuss security matters concerning the South China Sea. The agenda includes confirming U.S. commitment to the Mutual Defense Treaty, addressing China’s assertive actions, and enhancing Philippine security support.
The United States Defense Secretary, Pete Hegseth, is set to visit the Philippines on March 28-29, marking his first excursion to the Indo-Pacific region. This visit aims to address escalating tensions in the South China Sea, emphasizing enhanced deterrence against aggression, according to a Philippine official. Hegseth’s engagements will include discussions with Philippine Secretary of National Defense Gilberto Teodoro and President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.
During this pivotal meeting, topics will encompass China’s increasingly assertive maneuvers within the South China Sea and the Trump administration’s proposal for more substantial support to the Philippines’ security forces, as noted by Philippine Ambassador to the U.S. Jose Manuel Romualdez. “It’s a strong message to China on solid bilateral relations between the U.S. and the Philippines,” Romualdez remarked regarding Hegseth’s upcoming visit.
China claims extensive territory in the South China Sea, which serves as a crucial route for global trade and security. Along with the Philippines, nations such as Vietnam, Malaysia, Brunei, and Taiwan also contest various portions of these resource-rich waters. Notably, confrontations between Chinese and Philippine maritime forces have intensified over the past two years, increasing tensions in the area.
In a recent conversation with Teodoro, Hegseth reaffirmed the unwavering U.S. commitment to the 1951 Mutual Defense Treaty, essential for fostering a secure Indo-Pacific environment. The Pentagon spokesperson, John Ullyot, reported that the leaders discussed the necessity of reestablishing deterrence in the South China Sea by collaborating with allies and enhancing the capabilities of the Armed Forces of the Philippines.
The previous Biden administration reiterated the U.S. obligation under the treaty to defend the Philippines from armed attacks within the Pacific region, further emphasizing the commitment to Philippine security in light of recent territorial confrontations. Conversely, Beijing cautions Washington against intervening in what it deems a purely Asian dispute, urging a cessation of actions that threaten regional stability.
In conclusion, U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth’s upcoming visit to the Philippines is crucial in addressing security concerns related to the South China Sea. With discussions aimed at strengthening bilateral relations and reaffirming U.S. commitments under the Mutual Defense Treaty, the visit signals significant American support for Philippine security. As tensions with China persist, this engagement will be pivotal in enhancing deterrence and fostering regional stability.
Original Source: www.ksat.com
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