During his trip to Manila, US defense secretary Pete Hegseth stated that the country would “reinforce deterrent” against” China’s anger” in the Indo-Pacific area.
Hegseth and his Philippine counterpart Gilbert Teodoro held a joint press conference to emphasize the strength of the US-Philippines ‘ “ironclad alliance,” particularly in response to Communist China’s aggression in the area, according to CNN.
Hegseth stated that the US would increase the use of modern military equipment for “high-end operations,” improve interoperability, and put a focus on boosting defense professional cooperation.
The Philippines has been at the vanguard of China’s growing aggression in Asia. Despite a global decision that denies Beijing its say to control the majority of the South China Sea, Beijing aims to carry out its state there.
He stated that” He had certainly emphasize a shift to the Indo-Pacific with the recognition that America needs to stand shoulder to shoulder with our allies and partners” and that the 21st century must get a free one.
He added that in the US-Philippines partnership,” Up, we’ll promote our different partners and allies in the region to step up their efforts and cooperation to boost defense capabilities and improve deterrence.”
Hegseth may even go to Japan on his journey, which comes as he attempts to address the controversy surrounding his decision to communicate information about US defense strikes on Houthi target via Signal. In a region where China has been gradually gaining ground militarily, friends see the US military’s presence in Asia as a critical counterpoint.
In recent years, China’s aggression in the Indo-Pacific region has gotten worse, with territorial disputes, military development, and forceful claims to the South China Sea. Its activities challenge international laws, destabilizing regional stability, and provoking issues from neighboring nations like the Philippines, Japan, and the United States.
