PH, US defense chiefs discuss South China Sea deterrence

Philippine Defense Secretary Gilberto Teodoro Jr. and US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth discussed strengthening deterrence in the South China Sea during a recent call.

The discussion also covered enhancing the capabilities and capacity of the Armed Forces of the Philippines.

Hegseth reaffirmed the US's "ironclad" commitment to the 1951 Mutual Defense Treaty with the Philippines to secure peace in the Indo-Pacific region.

The leaders discussed the importance of reestablishing deterrence in the South China Sea, including by working with allies and partners.

Hegseth vowed to remain in close coordination with Teodoro and boost defense cooperation efforts between both countries.

However, an expert noted that US-Philippine military deterrence efforts against China cannot contribute to the peaceful settlement of conflict in the South China Sea.

The expert suggested that Manila would be better off pursuing diplomatic means and negotiation to resolve its dispute with Beijing and avoid the militarization of the South China Sea.