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Marcos Reaffirms PH-U.S. Alliance As Pillar Of Peace In Indo-Pacific During Pentagon Talks
Photo credit: PCO
During a high-level meeting at the Pentagon on Monday, President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. highlighted the vital role of the Philippines–United States alliance in safeguarding peace and stability across the South China Sea and the wider Indo-Pacific region.

In his bilateral discussions with U.S. Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth, President Marcos underscored that the longstanding partnership between the two countries continues to be a cornerstone of regional security.

“I believe that our alliance, the United States and the Philippines, had formed a great part in terms of preserving the peace, in terms of preserving the stability of the South China Sea. But I would even go as far as to say in the entire Indo-Pacific region,” Marcos said in his opening remarks.

Amid shifting geopolitical dynamics, the President called for sustained dialogue and evolving cooperation to keep pace with emerging challenges. He acknowledged the ongoing support of the U.S. government—particularly through joint military exercises and the continued modernization of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP)—as essential to responding to these developments.

“That forms a very, very important part of that relationship,” Marcos noted. “It is a proper response considering the challenges that we face in the Philippines specifically vis-à-vis the changing geopolitical forces and the political developments around our part of the world.”

He also looked back on Secretary Hegseth’s visit to Manila in March, calling it a meaningful reaffirmation of the Mutual Defense Treaty and a symbol of enduring cooperation.

“We must continue to be in discussion. We must continue to evolve that relationship as the circumstances, the context in which we operate has evolved,” the President added.

President Marcos was joined by key members of his national security and economic team, including Defense Secretary Gilberto Teodoro Jr., National Security Adviser Eduardo Año, and Philippine Ambassador to the U.S. Jose Manuel Romualdez, among others.

Upon his arrival at the Pentagon, the President was welcomed with an enhanced honor cordon—a ceremonial tribute reserved for high-ranking foreign officials, underscoring the strength and depth of the PH-U.S. alliance.

President Marcos is in Washington, D.C. for a three-day official visit from July 20 to 22 at the invitation of U.S. President Donald Trump. Notably, he is the first Southeast Asian leader to be received by President Trump during his second term. This visit also marks the two leaders’ first in-person meeting since President Trump’s reelection.
Jul 22, 2025
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