Trump 'very committed' to PH alliance, US Defense chief says

The Trump administration on Friday reaffirmed its commitment to its alliance with the Philippine government, particularly in the defense sector.

United States Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth made the affirmation during his courtesy call on President Ferdinand ''Bongbong'' Marcos Jr. in Malacañang.

Hegseth said that he spoke to US President Donald Trump minutes before meeting the Filipino leader.

''I had a chance to speak just a few minutes ago to our president, President Trump, who sent his regards to you as well. He takes very fondly of this great country, is very committed to the alliance that we have, to the friendship that we have, the cooperation that we have,'' Hegseth told Marcos.

''He and I both want to express the ironclad commitment we have to the Mutual Defense Treaty and to the partnership, economically, militarily, which our staffs have worked on diligently for weeks and weeks and months,'' he added.

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

President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. welcomes U.S. Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth during a courtesy call at Kalayaan Hall, Malacañan Palace, on March 28, 2025. YUMMIE DINGDING / PPA POOL

Earlier, Hegseth underscored Friday the importance of deterrence amid threats in the South China Sea.

The American official said the US recognizes the Philippines' rights in the region.

''As we've talked about, peace through strength is a very real thing. deterrence is necessary around the world, but specifically in this region in your country, considering the threats from the communist Chinese,'' Hegseth told Marcos.

''Friends need to stand shoulder to shoulder to deter conflict to ensure that there's free navigation, whether you call it the South China Sea or the West Philippine Sea, we recognize that your country has stand very firm in that location and in defense of your nation,'' he added.

China had expressed concerns via a statement from its Foreign Ministry spokesperson, Guo Jiakun, warning that any defense agreements between the Philippines and the US should not target other countries or threaten their interests.

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

In response, Palace Press Officer Undersecretary Atty. Claire Castro said the Philippines is no one’s chess piece, adding that ''we are an independent country.'' —VAL, GMA Integrated News