US, PH defense chiefs meet to boost South China Sea deterrence

On Thursday, February 6, US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth and Philippine Defense Secretary Gilberto Teodoro Jr. held their first official engagement to discuss ways to strengthen maritime deterrence in the South China Sea.

Hegseth reaffirmed Washington's 'ironclad' commitment under the 1951 Mutual Defense Treaty with Manila, emphasizing cooperation on enhancing capabilities of the Armed Forces of the Philippines and deepening defense ties.

The two officials agreed to include like-minded partners in defense initiatives and expressed optimism about future high-level meetings and collaborative efforts for increased deterrence and defense industry development.

Philippine and US air forces conducted joint patrols over the South China Sea on Tuesday, a move that has sparked tensions with China, which also carried out its own patrol near disputed waters.

Experts noted that while military cooperation is crucial, Manila should pursue diplomatic means to resolve disputes with Beijing and avoid militarizing the South China Sea.