President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. welcomed U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth to the Philippines on Friday, highlighting the visit as a strong signal of the two countries’ commitment to maintaining peace in the Indo-Pacific region.
“Your visit to the region, and especially the fact that you have come to the Philippines as your first stop, sends a very strong message of the commitment of both our countries to continue to work together,” Mr. Marcos said during a ceremony in Malacañang.
Hegseth responded, emphasizing the United States’ dedication to its alliance with the Philippines.
“I had a chance to speak just a few minutes ago to our president, President [Donald] Trump, who sends his regards to you as well, thinks 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 said.
“And 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.
Hegseth also noted the significance of choosing the Philippines as his first stop.
“There is a very real reason why our first trip and our first visit is here to visit you in your great country,” he told President Marcos.
The leaders are expected to discuss regional security concerns, particularly in the South China Sea, where tensions have risen in recent years.
President Marcos acknowledged the complexities of global geopolitics and expressed confidence that the discussions would be productive.
Hegseth shared that he had taken part in physical training with Philippine troops earlier in the day, commending their fitness. “They are in great shape, as are our troops, so that’s good,” he said.
He further highlighted the importance of military-to-military cooperation and the need for a strong defense alliance to deter aggression.
“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 said.
“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 stood very firm in that location and in defense of your nation,” he added.
Hegseth’s visit marks another step in the defense cooperation between the U.S. and the Philippines, including joint military exercises and expanded access to Philippine military bases under the Enhanced Defense Cooperation Agreement (EDCA).