Hegseth visit to boost PH-US military ties amid regional tensions — PH envoy

Defense Secretary Gilberto "Gibo" Teodoro is scheduled to engage in crucial talks with U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, who will be arriving in the Philippines on Friday, March 28, 2025.

Philippine Ambassador to the U.S. Jose Manuel Romualdez said conversations will center around new policies from U.S. President Donald Trump that directly influence the enhancement of military relations with allies like the Philippines.

Romualdez said, "Secretary Hegseth's visit exemplifies that commitment well. Their discussions will be serious, as the current focus of the Trump administration is on deterrence through strength. This means we need to bolster our Armed Forces and enhance our interoperability."

Hegseth is also scheduled to meet with President "Bongbong" Marcos Jr., which Romualdez highlighted as a significant event.

"I'm confident that various messages will be conveyed through Secretary Hegseth to President Marcos from President Trump," he noted.

While details remain undisclosed, including whether there might be discussions regarding a recent report regarding the possible deployment of a second Medium Range Capability (MRC) Typhon missile system to the Philippines, Romualdez indicated that a sure topic would be the forthcoming U.S.-Philippines Balikatan exercises, set for April 21 to May 9, 2025.

Romualdez said, "Secretary Hegseth will be in Manila for over 24 hours and will also have a meeting with President Marcos. These discussions are vital not just for reassurance but also to explore what we can achieve under the new focus of the Trump administration, which is deterrence through strength."

The trip marks Hegseth's first international visit as defense secretary, underscoring the U.S. commitment to the Philippines, particularly as the nation has been exempted from recent funding reductions affecting other allies.

Romualdez said, "The U.S. remains supportive of us. We received an exemption from the $500 million earmarked for us, which is not included in the holdback of funding."

In response to the deepening U.S.-Philippines relations, China has expressed concerns via a statement from its Foreign Ministry spokesperson, Guo Jiakun, warning that any defense agreements between the Philippines and the U.S. should not target other countries or threaten their interests.

China has also urged the Philippines to avoid acting as a mouthpiece for other nations and to refrain from utilizing these relations for personal political purposes.

Romualdez defended the Philippines' position, saying that, "We are not looking to instigate any conflict. Sometimes we question why we are held responsible for starting conflicts. We consistently advise China that dialogue is essential for peace. Our partnership with the U.S. has been reinforced through agreements since 1951."

He added, "We are merely continuing what we have practiced for years. Given the challenges to our relationships—not only with the U.S. but with other nations as well—we must strengthen those ties and send a clear signal that we will not permit any single country to dominate the South China Sea." — VDV, GMA Integrated News