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Manila Bulletin devider Philippines devider National devider PH, US commit to deeper defense cooperation amid China's 'destabilizing actions' in SCS

PH, US commit to deeper defense cooperation amid China's 'destabilizing actions' in SCS

Published Jun 10, 2025 09:12 am  |  Updated Jun 10, 2025 04:01 pm
Amid growing concerns over China’s “destabilizing actions” in the South China Sea, the Philippines and the United States committed to deepening their defense relations and exploring new partnerships with allies in the region.

(From left)  DFA Secretary Enrique Manalo and US Secretary of State Marco Rubio shake hands during a bilateral meeting held in Washington, D.C. (Photo from Sec. Rubio via X post)


United States Secretary of State Marco Rubio and Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) Secretary Enrique Manalo met on Monday, June 9 (US time).

During their meeting, the two officials underscored "the US-Philippines Alliance’s vital role in maintaining a free and open Indo-Pacific region,” State Department spokesman Tammy Bruce said in a statement.

“Secretary Rubio and Secretary Manalo committed to deepening cooperation on addressing China’s destabilizing actions in the South China Sea and to increasing economic cooperation to mutually benefit American and Philippine citizens,” she added.

They also committed “to exploring new opportunities for cooperation with regional allies and partners, including trilaterally with Japan through the Luzon Economic Corridor.”

In a separate statement, DFA spokesperson Ma. Teresita Daza said the two secretaries “looked forward to the positive conclusion of high-level talks” between their economic managers on the US’ reciprocal tariffs.

“They also underscored the importance of stronger economic relations in building a more enduring Philippines-US alliance, and promoting overall security,” she added.

According to the DFA, they “reaffirmed the importance of continued defense and security cooperation, including through support for the Philippines’ defense modernization efforts.”

Rubio and Manalo likewise cited recent positive developments, including the Joint Vision Statement of the Philippine and US Defense Secretaries on building the defense industrial cooperation, US offers of foreign military sales to meet Philippine needs, and the conduct of the latest Balikatan exercises.

This was the third engagement between Rubio and Manalo, who was accompanied by Philippine Ambassador to the US Jose Manuel Romualdez during the meeting.

They previously had a phone call after US President Donald Trump’s inauguration in January. They also met on the sidelines of the Munich Security Conference last February.

Despite Trump’s “America First” policy, the United States reiterated its commitment to its defense alliance with the Philippines as China continues with its intrusion in the resource-rich South China Sea.

The two countries are also working with Japan in a trilateral cooperation, and has welcomed the interests of Australia and other countries in joining maritime and military exercises.

Aside from Rubio, Manalo will also meet with United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres and Permanent Representative of the Philippines to the UN in New York Antonio Lagdameo.

Manalo is scheduled to replace Lagdameo as permanent representative to UN in New York, a post he previously held, this August.

Related Tags

South China Sea Marco Rubio DFA United States Enrique Manalo
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