MANILA – The defense chiefs of the Philippines and the United States engaged in a discussion about enhancing deterrence in the South China Sea during an introductory call on February 5.
The conversation between Department of National Defense (DND) Secretary Gilberto Teodoro Jr. and US Department of Defense (DOD) Secretary Pete Hegseth focused on fortifying the US-Philippines defense alliance and bolstering military capabilities.
The two leaders emphasized the importance of working closely with allies and partners to maintain stability in the Indo-Pacific region, with Hegseth reaffirming the US commitment to the 1951 Mutual Defense Treaty. Both sides agreed on the need to strengthen the Armed Forces of the Philippines and explore new defense investments.
A key topic was enhancing bilateral and multilateral defense cooperation, particularly in the West Philippine Sea. Secretary Teodoro underscored the need to counter coercive actions and uphold the rules-based international order, while Hegseth expressed optimism about the future of US-Philippine defense relations.
The call concluded with a mutual commitment to advancing shared defense priorities and extending the alliance through collaboration with like-minded nations. Both officials expressed eagerness for future high-level meetings to deepen the defense partnership.
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