US commends PH for standing up to China in West PH Sea

Metro Manila, Philippines - US Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth on Friday, May 30, lauded the Philippines for standing up against China's “aggressive actions” in the West Philippine Sea.

This comes as Washington and Manila reaffirmed its strengthened military ties in a recent high-level discussion between Defense Secretary Gilberto Teodoro and his US counterpart.

“Secretary Hegseth commended the Philippines for standing up against China's aggressive actions targeting lawful Philippine activities in the South China Sea,” a statement from the US Department of Defense stated.

Both defense chiefs also celebrated the completion of the largest BALIKATAN exercises to date which included joint combat drills in “full battle test.”

The drills reflected an expanded multilateral participation with Australia and Japan sending active combat troops, while 19 other nations — including Canada, Germany, the UK, the Czech Republic, South Korea, and Colombia — participated as official observers.

Manila and Washinton also discussed steps to reestablish deterrence in the Indo-Pacific, building on the initial top-level meet in March.

The secretaries noted the importance of partnership and transparency in deterring China and committed to continued progress on strengthening their defense cooperation.