Marcos Jr., Hegseth discuss PH-US alliance at Pentagon

President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. highlighted the Philippines-US alliance's role in preserving peace and stability in the South China Sea and the broader Indo-Pacific region during his meeting with US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth at the Pentagon on Tuesday.

Marcos emphasized that the alliance has been crucial for both regional peace and stability, extending beyond just the South China Sea to the entire Indo-Pacific region.

He thanked the United States for its support through joint military exercises and defense assistance, which are vital in modernizing the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP).

Hegseth's visit to Manila earlier this year was noted as a symbol of the enduring PH-US defense alliance and reaffirmation of commitments under the 1951 Mutual Defense Treaty.

Marcos underscored the need for continued bilateral discussions amid rapidly shifting geopolitical dynamics, stressing the importance of evolving the relationship to address current challenges.

Under Marcos Jr.'s administration, the Philippines has granted American troops access to more military bases and authorized the entry of U.S. missiles, moves that have irked China.