By Joyce Ann L. Rocamora | Philippine News Agency
United States Department of Defense (DOD) Secretary Pete Hegseth has reaffirmed the US’ commitment to bolster defense cooperation with the Philippines, as he described the two nations’ partnership as key to helping keep peace and stability in the Indo-Pacific region.
This was after Hegseth met with Department of National Defense Secretary Gilberto Teodoro Jr. on the sidelines of the Shangri-La Dialogue in Singapore on May 30.
In a readout, the US DOD said the two discussed “steps the two countries are taking together to reestablish deterrence in the Indo-Pacific,” as well as ways to “further enhance Alliance readiness.”
“The Secretaries noted the importance of partnership and transparency in deterring China and committed to continued progress on strengthening their defense cooperation,” it said.
During the meeting, Hegseth commended the Philippines for standing up against China’s aggressive actions targeting lawful Philippine activities in the South China Sea.
“I want to applaud them for their courage and their clarity in the South China Sea, and the recognition of the challenges that we face,” he said. “Shoulder-to-shoulder, we want peace and stability, and our partnership is central to that.”
Teodoro, said the Philippines is eager to enhance its already robust defense relationship with the US.
“We will continue to enhance our bilateral and multilateral relationship, all with the vision of a free and open Indo-Pacific and, of course, our shared interest in upholding a rules-based international order,” he said.
“The Philippines does seek peace, but in this instance, it is important to have a sustainable peace that is based on our own resilience and alliances with like-minded partners.”
Meanwhile, they hailed the recent conclusion of Exercise BALIKATAN in the Philippines, which the US DOD described as the “biggest and most complex” in alliance history.
The drills, the DOD said, enhanced deterrence by enabling the two countries to train together and for the US to deploy increasingly advanced capabilities, including the Typhon missile system, the Navy-Marine Expeditionary Ship Interdiction System (NMESIS), and highly capable unmanned surface vessels.
Cooperation with Singapore, Australia
In the same defense forum, Teodoro met with his counterparts from Singapore and Australia, underlining Manila’s equal commitment to boost more “strategic defense partnerships” in the region.
In a meeting with Singapore Defense Minister Chan Chun Sing, Teodoro conveyed Manila’s interest to learn from Singapore’s experience in operating the C-130J aircraft, especially in operations, maintenance, and cost-efficiency.
Chan welcomed the proposal and invited Philippine special forces to conduct training in Singapore.
He also expressed interest in reciprocal opportunities for Singapore Armed Forces (SAF) troops in the Philippines, as well as expanding collaboration in navigation flights; Maintenance, Repair, and Overhaul (MRO); and Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Response (HADR).
Teodoro’s meeting with Australian Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Defense Richard Marles reiterated the same spirit of deepening bilateral cooperation.
The Filipino official highlighted the growing momentum in trilateral defense engagements involving the Philippines, Australia, and the US.
He also conveyed President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.’s directive to reinforce defense ties not only with Australia but also with Japan, South Korea, and New Zealand.
Marles likewise praised the evolving defense relationship and welcomed the two states’ sustained maritime cooperation.
The DND said Teodoro offered to host the second Philippines-Australia Defense Ministers’ Meeting, back-to-back with the conduct of Exercise ALON between Philippine and Australian forces.
