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U.S. Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth views a static display of equipment in Kane'ohe Bay, Hawaii, U.S. March 25, 2025. (DOD/U.S. Air Force Senior Airman Madelyn Keech/Handout via Reuters)MANILA — U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth reaffirmed the United States’ ironclad commitment to the Mutual Defense Treaty with the Philippines during his meeting with Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. on Friday.
Hegseth, who is in the Philippines as part of a trip to Asia, emphasized the strong alliance, friendship, and cooperation between the two nations.
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“Deterrence is necessary around the world, but specifically in this region, in your country, considering the threats from the communist Chinese,” Hegseth said.
— Reporting by Karen Lema; Editing by John Mair
