US defense chief Pete Hegseth reaffirms ironclad US-PH alliance

Metro Manila, Philippines – United States Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth underscored the Trump administration’s ironclad commitment to the region during his courtesy call in Manila on Friday, March 28.

This marks Hegseth’s first visit to Asia, where he is expected to advance security objectives with Philippine leaders and engage with US and Philippine forces.

President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. welcomed the US secretary during his courtesy call, emphasizing the significance of Hegseth’s visit to the country.

“Your visit to the region, especially the fact that you’ve come to the Philippines as your first stop, is a very strong indication and sends a very strong message of the commitment of both our countries to continue to work together to maintain the peace in the Indo Pacific region, within the South China Sea,” the chief executive said.

In response, Hegseth assured that Washington remains committed to help deter conflict within the Asia Pacific amid rising geopolitical tensions especially in the West Philippine Sea.

“Peace through strength is a very real thing. Deterrence is necessary around the world but specifically in this region, in your country, considering the threats from the communist Chinese and that friends need to stand shoulder-to-shoulder to deter conflict, to ensure that there is free navigation,” the secretary said.

After the courtesy call, Hegseth held a bilateral meeting with Defense Secretary Gilberto “Gibo” Teodoro Jr. to further discuss the countries’ military and economic partnership.

In an interview last week, Teodoro said discussions during Hegseth’s visit would focus on strengthening bilateral and multilateral partnerships, as well as enhancing military interoperability between the two nations.

The visit comes as Washington exempts $336 million (P19.4 billion) in security assistance to the Philippines from the 90-day aid freeze imposed by US President Donald Trump.