Marcos warns of threats in South China Sea; Trump lauds ‘very good’ ties with China

Metro Manila, Philippines - In a meeting that underscored both alliance and contradiction, President Ferdinand "Bongbong" Marcos Jr. praised the United States as the “closest, most reliable ally,” citing shared democratic values and a vital defense partnership in the face of increasing tensions in the South China Sea.

US President Donald Trump struck a strikingly different tone, though, touting strong relations with China and brushing aside strategic concerns.

“Our strongest, closest, most reliable ally has always been the United States,” Marcos said. “And that is something we value… especially in my part of the world,” a clear reference to escalating maritime tensions in the region.

With China increasing its presence in disputed waters, Marcos spoke bluntly about Manila’s need to assert its sovereign rights and prepare militarily, supported by the US

“All of what we consider part of the modernization of the Philippine military is really a response to the circumstances that surround the situation around the South China Sea,” Marcos said. “We do this because we feel it is necessary.”

Yet as Marcos stressed the existential stakes in the region — and the role of US support — Trump, standing beside him, appeared unfazed by the very power Marcos was signaling as a threat.

“We’re getting along with China very well,” Trump said. “The magnets are coming in record numbers.”

He added, with apparent nonchalance, that he had no objection to Marcos engaging with Beijing:

“You should deal with China… that wouldn’t bother me at all,” he said.

Marcos attempted to reconcile the disconnect, explaining that the Philippines pursues an independent foreign policy, but needs partners who are committed to international law — including the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS), which China has repeatedly flouted in the South China Sea.

Trump, who has been invited to visit China by President Xi Jinping, focused instead on diplomacy and trade, reminiscing about how during his term, the Philippines “came right back to us” after allegedly leaning toward China under a previous administration.