PH, US eye more drills, increased missile deployments in strategic talks

Metro Manila, Philippines – Philippine and United States officials signaled plans for more realistic joint military exercises and increased deployments of missile and unmanned systems during their latest Bilateral Strategic Dialogue in Manila, underscoring efforts to strengthen deterrence amid tensions in the South China Sea.

Senior officials met Monday, Feb. 16,  for the 12th Philippines-United States Bilateral Strategic Dialogue, an annual forum covering political, security, and economic cooperation between the treaty partners.

In a joint statement, both sides said they would “enhance joint capabilities, interoperability, and exercise execution for more realistic conditions” to improve readiness for contingencies and disaster response.

They also agreed to “continue and work to increase deployments of US cutting-edge missile and unmanned systems to the Philippines,” reflecting an expanding defense partnership that has grown in recent years.

The talks placed strong emphasis on regional security, with officials reaffirming their commitment to the 1951 Mutual Defense Treaty and reiterating that it applies to armed attacks on either country’s forces, aircraft and public vessels, including coast guard ships, anywhere in the Pacific, including the South China Sea.

Both sides underscored their goal of maintaining a “free, open, prosperous, and secure Indo-Pacific” and condemned China’s “illegal, coercive, aggressive, and deceptive activities in the South China Sea,” saying such actions threaten regional peace and stability.

The dialogue also highlighted expanding cooperation with partners such as Japan and Australia, as well as plans to increase multilateral exercises and security coordination.

Beyond defense, officials pointed to economic initiatives including the Luzon Economic Corridor, cooperation on critical minerals supply chains and efforts to boost private-sector investment in transport, energy and digital infrastructure. 

The US also pledged support for civil nuclear cooperation and health security programs in the Philippines.

First convened in 2011, the Bilateral Strategic Dialogue serves as the main annual platform for aligning strategic priorities between Manila and Washington. 

This year’s talks come as the two countries mark 80 years of diplomatic relations and the 75th anniversary of their alliance, while the Philippines chairs the Association of Southeast Asian Nations.