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Manila Bulletin devider Philippines devider National devider Rubio, Hegseth host Marcos in US, reaffirm commitment to Indo-Pacific deterrence

Rubio, Hegseth host Marcos in US, reaffirm commitment to Indo-Pacific deterrence

Published Jul 22, 2025 08:57 am
President Marcos and high-ranking officials of the United States reaffirmed their shared commitment to advance deterrence in the Indo-Pacific region and to maintain peace, stability, and freedom of navigation in a region critical to global trade.

US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth shakes hands with President Ferdinand
US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth shakes hands with President Ferdinand "Bongbong" Marcos Jr. during their meeting in Washington, D.C. on July 21, 2025. (Photo from US Department of Defense)
The Chief Executive met with US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth and US State Secretary Marco Rubio on Monday, July 21 (Washington time), ahead of a July 22 scheduled meeting with US President Donald Trump at the White House.

“Secretary Rubio and President Marcos underscored the importance of the ironclad United States-Philippines Alliance to maintaining peace and stability in the Indo-Pacific region. They reaffirmed their shared commitment to deterrence and reinforcing freedoms of navigation and overflight in support of a free and open Indo-Pacific,” a statement from US Department of State spokesperson Tammy Bruce said.

In a joint press conference, Hegseth also expressed the US’ commitment to the 1951 Mutual Defense Treaty (MDT), a defense pact that states the activation of US’ defense in case of an armed attack on Philippine territory and waters.

“Our storied alliance has never been stronger or more essential than it is today and together we remain committed to the Mutual Defense Treaty. And this pact extends to armed attacks on our armed forces, aircraft or public vessels, including our Coast Guard anywhere in the Pacific, including the South China Sea,” the defense chief said.

“As I emphasized at Shangri-La, the Asia Pacific is our priority theater and the United States is committed to achieving peace through strength and willing to work with all nations who share this desire in the region,” he added.

President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. and US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth hold a bilateral meeting in Washington, D.C. (US Dept. of Defense photo)
President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. and US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth hold a bilateral meeting in Washington, D.C. (US Dept. of Defense photo)
While Hegseth stated that the US “(does) not seek confrontation,” he also stressed that “we are and will be ready and resolute” and will support the Philippines’ efforts to modernize its Armed Forces and collective defense.

“Under President Trump and your leadership, Mr. President, we've made rapid progress enhancing real deterrence and upholding a free and open Asia Pacific through deepening our interoperability and expanding joint exercises, including the largest and most sophisticated exercise—Balikatan—ever conducted,” he told Marcos.

Hegseth also mentioned the US’ deployment of new cutting-edge missiles and unmanned systems, as well as reestablishing its defense industrial bases in the country.

“Together, we must forge a strong shield of real deterrence for peace, ensuring the long-term security and prosperity for our nations,” he added.

Bruce also reiterated that Rubio and Marcos are looking forward “to maintaining regular high-level engagement between the United States and the Philippines as friends, partners, and allies” as both countries are scheduled to commemorate the 80th anniversary of their diplomatic relations in 2026.

Related Tags

President Marcos Indo-Pacific Marco Rubio United States Pete Hegseth
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