Philippines and U.S. Strengthen Maritime and Security Ties Amidst China Tensions

Philippines President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. emphasized the need for regular engagements with the U.S. during meetings with top U.S. cabinet secretaries to address maritime tensions with China. The discussions highlighted the importance of agile responses and reinforced the U.S.-Philippines alliance under their Mutual Defence Treaty, amidst competitive South China Sea claims.

Philippines President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. has called for regular engagements between Manila and Washington to ensure "agile" responses to maritime tensions with China. During meetings with U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken and Defence Secretary Lloyd Austin, Marcos stressed the significance of maintaining open communication lines to manage differences effectively.

Marcos welcomed Blinken and Austin at the Malacanang Palace, where they emphasized the importance of the U.S.-Philippines alliance, particularly concerning the South China Sea, which China claims almost entirely as its own. State Department spokesperson Matthew Miller noted that the two sides share a commitment to upholding international law in the contested waters.

The U.S. secretaries reiterated their country's ironclad commitments to the Philippines under the Mutual Defence Treaty. The talks come amidst heightened geopolitical interest, with Blinken highlighting continued high-level engagements covering both security and economic opportunities.

(With inputs from agencies.)