Secretary Pete Hegseth affirms 'ironclad alliance' between US and Philippines in the region

US Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth (left) at a press conference with Philippine Defense Minister Gilbert Teodoro on March 28. (Source: AP)

During his visit to the Philippines on March 28, US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth emphasized that Washington will strengthen its alliance with Manila in an effort to "reestablish deterrence" in the Indo-Pacific region.

At a joint press conference with his counterpart Gilbert Teodoro, Mr. Hegseth stressed that these efforts reflect the strength of the "ironclad alliance between the United States and the Philippines."

According to Minister Hegseth, the US will deploy more advanced military capabilities for joint training, improve coordination in large-scale operations, and promote cooperation in the defense industry.

The US Secretary of Defense's visit to the Philippines is an important opportunity to convey the Trump administration's policies and shape US engagement in the region, including the East Sea issue.

Mr. Hegseth affirmed that the Trump administration will prioritize a strategic shift to the Indo-Pacific region. Through cooperation with the Philippines, the US encourages countries in the region to strengthen their defense capabilities and coordinate actions to maintain stability.

Hegseth’s visit comes as US allies around the world are warily watching how Trump will manage longstanding alliances in his second term. President Trump has repeatedly questioned the structure of US military alliances and whether the US is getting enough benefits from partnerships.

Speaking alongside Secretary Hegseth at a press conference, Philippine Defense Secretary Gilberto Teodoro said the US defense commitment is seen as a key deterrent against actions that raise tensions in the East Sea.

Source: https://baoquocte.vn/bo-truong-pete-hegseth-khang-dinh-lien-minh-sat-da-my-philippines-tai-khu-vuc-309474.html