Pentagon Urges Enhanced Military Presence to Counter Beijing’s Maritime Claims
U.S. Defense Chief Reaffirms Military Ties with the Philippines to Counter China
U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth announced on Friday that the Trump administration is committed to strengthening military cooperation with the Philippines to bolster deterrence against China and uphold freedom of navigation in the South China Sea.
During a meeting with Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., Hegseth emphasized the importance of U.S.-Philippines military ties, stating that “friends need to stand shoulder to shoulder” to prevent conflicts in the region. His visit to Manila, the first stop on his inaugural Asia tour, signals Washington’s commitment to its Indo-Pacific allies amid growing tensions with Beijing.
“Deterrence is essential, particularly in this region, given the threats posed by the Chinese Communist Party,” Hegseth said. He commended the Philippines for taking a firm stance on its territorial claims in the contested waters, adding that “peace through strength is a very real thing.”
China, which claims nearly the entire South China Sea, has condemned U.S. involvement in regional disputes. Ahead of Hegseth’s visit, Chinese Defense Ministry spokesperson Wu Qian warned that U.S.-Philippines military cooperation “must not undermine regional stability.” Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Guo Jiakun also accused the U.S. of being an unreliable ally, stating that “those who serve as chess pieces will ultimately be abandoned.”
The Philippines, Vietnam, Malaysia, Brunei, and Taiwan also claim portions of the South China Sea, where Chinese and Philippine forces have clashed in recent years. Beijing has deployed water cannons, aggressive naval maneuvers, and military aircraft to block Philippine vessels, escalating tensions.
Hegseth’s visit comes just weeks before the annual Balikatan military exercises, the largest joint U.S.-Philippines combat drills, which will include live-fire training near disputed waters. He reaffirmed the Trump administration’s “ironclad commitment” to the Mutual Defense Treaty, a security pact obligating the U.S. to defend the Philippines if attacked in the Pacific, including the South China Sea.
Marcos welcomed the U.S. defense chief’s visit, calling it a “strong message” of continued partnership. “We have always understood that the greatest force for peace in this part of the world is the United States,” he said.
