In a significant show of unity, Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth hosted Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. at the Pentagon on Monday, where they reaffirmed their commitment to the U.S.-Philippines Mutual Defense Treaty. The discussion focused on shared security concerns within the Asia-Pacific region and celebrated recent advancements in their long-standing alliance.
“Our storied alliance has never been stronger or more essential than it is today,” Hegseth emphasized. He underscored the importance of the mutual defense treaty, which protects against armed attacks on military forces, aircraft, or public vessels, including coast guards, in the Pacific, particularly in the South China Sea.
Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth walks with Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. prior to a bilateral meeting at the Pentagon, July 21, 2025. ©
Navy Petty Officer 1st Class Alexander Kubitza
Highlighting the Asia-Pacific as a prioritized region for U.S. interests, Hegseth expressed a commitment to collaborating with the Philippines and other like-minded nations to further President Donald J. Trump’s “peace through strength” agenda. “We do not seek confrontation, but we are and will be ready and resolute,” he stated.
For seven decades, the Philippines has stood as a trusted ally of the United States. Its strategic location in the South China Sea positions it as a crucial partner in regional security efforts. Hegseth commended the Philippines for its modernization efforts within its armed forces and emphasized the mutual economic benefits of their cooperation.
Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth holds a bilateral meeting with Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. at the Pentagon, July 21, 2025. © Navy Petty Officer 1st Class Alexander Kubitza
The recent Balikatan military exercise was a focal point of the discussions, marking a successful collaboration involving over 14,000 participants and more than 20 nations. Hegseth noted, “We’ve made rapid progress enhancing real deterrence and upholding a free and open Asia-Pacific.”
Reflecting on the Balikatan 2025 exercise, President Marcos highlighted its significance, stating that feedback from Philippine military personnel indicated substantial benefits from the joint operations. “They say it was extremely useful. Essentially, we’ve achieved our purpose,” he noted, emphasizing the lessons learned from operating alongside U.S. forces and other allies in the region.
Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. speaks with Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth during a bilateral meeting at the Pentagon, July 21, 2025. © Navy Petty Officer 1st Class Alexander Kubitza
Marcos expressed satisfaction with the ongoing collaboration aimed at modernizing the Philippine military and reinforced the alliance’s role in maintaining peace and stability in the South China Sea and the wider Indo-Pacific region. “We are always very, very happy to continue to strengthen that relationship,” he affirmed.
This meeting not only marks a pivotal moment in U.S.-Philippines relations but also signals a broader commitment to regional security and cooperation, ensuring that both nations are prepared to face evolving challenges in the Asia-Pacific landscape.
Honor guardsmen march in formation prior to a bilateral meeting between Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth and Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. at the Pentagon, July 21, 2025. © Navy Petty Officer 1st Class Alexander Kubitza
