MANILA – The growing defense cooperation between the Philippines and the United States is proving effective in deterring conflict in the West Philippine Sea (WPS), according to political analysts.
China recently deployed two H-6 bombers near Panatag (Scarborough) Shoal, coinciding with US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth’s visit to Manila, where he met Philippine defense officials at Camp Aguinaldo.
De La Salle University professor Renato de Castro noted that China’s reaction signals the effectiveness of the strengthened PH-US alliance. “China’s response shows they are affected. Whether they are afraid or angry, what matters is that our defense strategy is working,” he said at the Saturday News Forum in Quezon City.
Geopolitical analyst Don McLain Gill echoed this sentiment, emphasizing that the US remains committed to supporting the Philippines amid rising maritime tensions. He highlighted the need for deploying advanced US weaponry in the region to counter emerging threats from China and Taiwan.
Following his meeting with Defense Secretary Gilberto Teodoro Jr., Hegseth confirmed that the US will deploy the Navy-Marine Expeditionary Ship Interdiction System (NMESIS) and unmanned surface vehicles during the upcoming “Balikatan” exercises in April. These advanced systems will enhance joint training and defense coordination between the two nations.
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