​The United States Embassy in Manila marked on Wednesday, Aug. 30, the 72nd anniversary of the Mutual Defense Treaty (MDT) between the Philippines and the US.
US Ambassador to the Philippines MaryKay Carlson said Washington remains "firm in our ironclad commitment to our alliance and partnership with the Philippines as we face new and continuing challenges."
"On August 30, 1951, the US and the Philippines signed the Mutual Defense Treaty, which serves as the foundation for our evolving alliance," the embassy also said in a post on X (formerly Twitter).
"Our security forces continue to strengthen their capabilities and work together to secure a #FreeAndOpenIndoPacific. #FriendsPartnersAllies," it added.
The MDT between the US and the Philippines was reinforced under the administration of President Ferdinand "Bongbong" Marcos Jr.
This came as China continued its aggression in the South China Sea, which several nations saw as threatening peace and stability in the region.