US Sec Def Hegseth meets Marcos Jr., Teodoro to boost military ties

US Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth arrived in the Philippines on Thursday night for a two-day working visit, emphasizing the importance of the U.S.-Philippine Alliance.

Hegseth met with President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. and Philippine Defense Secretary Gilberto Teodoro Jr., discussing military cooperation and new policies from US President Donald Trump that influence relations with allies like the Philippines.

The visit highlights the strengthening ties between the countries amid regional tensions, aiming to modernize the Philippines' armed forces and underscore peace through strength in the face of threats in the South China Sea.

Philippine Ambassador Jose Manuel Romualdez emphasized the strategic importance of the alliance for the Philippines in securing resources and enhancing its defense capabilities.

China issued a statement expressing concern over Philippine-US military cooperation, emphasizing that such efforts should not target third parties or escalate regional tensions.