US Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth has reaffirmed Washington’s commitment to bolstering military ties with the Philippines to strengthen deterrence against China’s territorial ambitions in the South China Sea. Speaking during a meeting with Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. on Friday, Hegseth emphasised the need for a strong alliance to ensure freedom of navigation in the disputed waters.
His visit to the Philippines marks the first stop in his inaugural trip to Asia under the Trump administration, signalling a renewed focus on regional security. Prior to the visit, China condemned the United States as a “predator” and an “unreliable ally,” reflecting growing tensions over US involvement in the region.
Reaffirming US commitment to the Philippines
Concerns have risen across Asia regarding the extent of the US’s engagement in the region under Trump’s “America First” policy. However, Hegseth’s decision to prioritise the Philippines and Japan—both US treaty allies with ongoing maritime disputes with China—was seen as a clear signal of Washington’s intent to maintain a strong security presence.
“Deterrence is necessary around the world but specifically in this region, in your country, considering the threats from the communist Chinese,” Hegseth told Marcos.
“Friends need to stand shoulder to shoulder to deter conflict, to ensure that there is free navigation—whether you call it the South China Sea or the West Philippine Sea.”
Hegseth praised the Philippines for its firm stance in defending its territorial interests, reinforcing Washington’s support for its ally in the face of increasing Chinese aggression.
Rising tensions in the South China sea
China lays claim to almost the entire South China Sea, despite competing claims from the Philippines, Vietnam, Malaysia, Brunei, and Taiwan. In recent years, confrontations between Chinese and Philippine forces have escalated, with Beijing’s coast guard using high-powered water cannons and aggressive naval manoeuvres to block Philippine vessels.
Chinese military aircraft have also dangerously intercepted Philippine patrol planes near the Scarborough Shoal, a contested fishing atoll. The tensions have prompted Washington to reiterate its defence commitments to Manila.
Under the previous Biden administration, the US repeatedly warned that it would be obligated to defend the Philippines if its forces, ships, or aircraft came under attack in the Pacific, including the South China Sea. Hegseth reinforced this stance, declaring:
“Trump and I remain fully committed to the Mutual Defence Treaty and to our partnership.”
Marcos welcomed Hegseth’s visit, interpreting it as a strong demonstration of Washington’s dedication to regional stability.
“We have always understood the principle that the greatest force for peace in this part of the world would be the United States,” Marcos said.
China’s response: US is an unreliable ally
China has condemned US-Philippines military cooperation, warning that increased American involvement in the South China Sea could threaten regional stability.
Chinese Defence Ministry spokesperson Wu Qian criticised Washington’s interference, stating:
“US-Philippines military cooperation must not harm the security interests of other countries or undermine regional peace and stability.”
He also accused the US of having a history of betraying its allies, remarking:
“The United States has an astonishing record of breaking its promises and abandoning its allies throughout history.”
Meanwhile, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Guo Jiakun issued a stark warning to Manila, cautioning:
“Nothing good could come out of opening the door to a predator. Those who willingly serve as chess pieces will be deserted in the end.”
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US-Philippines joint military exercises
Hegseth’s visit comes just weeks before the two nations are set to conduct Balikatan—Tagalog for “shoulder to shoulder”—their largest annual joint combat exercises. These drills, which include live-fire exercises, have increasingly been held near the South China Sea and the Philippines-Taiwan maritime border, reinforcing military preparedness in key strategic areas.
Hegseth faces scrutiny
Despite his diplomatic composure during the visit, Hegseth has faced scrutiny over reports that he shared sensitive military plans via a private Signal messaging group, which allegedly included senior US security officials and the editor-in-chief of The Atlantic magazine.
In a move that appeared aimed at deflecting criticism and fostering camaraderie, Hegseth joined American and Filipino forces for a morning physical training session, clad in a sweatshirt and shorts. Photographs posted by the US Embassy on X (formerly Twitter) showed him engaging in push-ups and shaking hands with military personnel, many of whom posed with thumbs-up gestures.
Looking ahead
Hegseth’s visit to Asia underscores the Trump administration’s efforts to reaffirm US alliances in the Indo-Pacific, despite concerns over Washington’s long-term commitment to regional security. As tensions in the South China Sea continue to escalate, the US-Philippines military partnership is expected to play a crucial role in shaping the strategic balance of power in the region.
