U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth urged cooperation between the United States and the Philippines against Chinese aggression during a meeting with President Ferdinand Marcos. His visit highlights a commitment to enhance bilateral relations and address territorial disputes in the South China Sea. Philippine officials reaffirmed their position against China’s claims, calling them unfounded, amid rising tensions in the region.

United States Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth emphasized the necessity of U.S.-Philippines collaboration in the face of Chinese influence during a meeting with Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos. Hegseth’s visit comes at a time of heightened scrutiny regarding a recent leak of sensitive Yemen strike plans, marking his initial engagement in an Asia Pacific tour aimed at strengthening alliances.

During discussions at Malacanan Palace in Manila, Hegseth stated, “Peace through strength is a very real thing.” He underscored the importance of deterrence in the region, asserting that allies must unite to prevent conflict and maintain freedom of navigation.

Hegseth acknowledged the Philippines’ firm stance in the face of territorial disputes, noting, “Whether you call it the South China Sea or the West Philippine Sea, we recognize that your country has to stand very firm in that location and in defense of your nation.”

President Marcos remarked that Hegseth’s visit conveys a “very strong message” about the commitment to reinforce the alliance between the two nations. This trip reflects the U.S. administration’s strategic efforts to assemble regional allies against China’s expanding power and influence amidst rising territorial tensions between China and the Philippines.

Philippine Defence Secretary Gilberto Teodoro recently criticized China’s claims in the South China Sea, referring to its assertion of over 90 percent control as “the biggest fiction and lie.” This statement coincided with reports regarding emerging confrontations between Philippine coastguard forces and Chinese vessels in contested territories.

Following his visit to the Philippines, Hegseth will proceed to Japan to engage in discussions with Japanese Defence Minister Gen Nakatani and participate in a memorial service honoring fallen servicemen from World War II’s Battle of Iwo Jima.

The meeting between U.S. Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth and Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos marks a pivotal moment in U.S.-Philippines relations amidst escalating tensions with China. The emphasis on unity and strength underscores the commitment to safeguarding regional stability and asserting territorial rights in the contested waters of the South China Sea. This collaboration reflects broader U.S. efforts to galvanize support among its Asian allies against China’s strategic maneuvers.

Original Source: www.aljazeera.com

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