President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. is set for his first bilateral meeting with US President Donald Trump in Washington, signaling a significant strengthening of defense and military ties between the two treaty allies, particularly in light of China’s increasing assertiveness in the South China Sea.
US Secretary of State Marco Rubio announced earlier that he looks forward to hosting President Marcos from July 20 to 22, marking a pivotal moment as the first head of state from the Association of Southeast Asian Nations invited to the White House by Trump.
The Philippine Department of Foreign Affairs confirmed the visit and stated, “We are working with the US State Department to finalize the details of the visit.” The high-level discussions aim to bolster economic collaboration, following the Trump administration’s announcement of a tariff increase to 20% on Philippine goods unless trade negotiations yield a deal.
In anticipation of Marcos’s visit, a trade delegation from the Philippines will travel to the US next week to further negotiations. Two unnamed Philippine government officials revealed that the talks between Trump and Marcos are expected to take place on either July 21 or July 22.
According to Philippine Ambassador to Washington Jose Manuel Romualdez, this visit is viewed as a critical step in reinforcing ties with the US, particularly in terms of defense and military collaboration amidst ongoing tensions in the region.
Press Officer Undersecretary Claire Castro has confirmed the visit but declined to provide additional details, deferring further questions to the Department of Foreign Affairs.
The recent trilateral meeting in Kuala Lumpur, attended by Rubio, Philippine Foreign Secretary Theresa Lazaro, and Japanese Foreign Minister Takeshi Iwaya, reiterated commitments to enhance economic and security ties as they confront a more assertive China.
Rubio described the trilateral discussions as “excellent,” emphasizing Washington’s dedication to strengthening partnerships with Japan and the Philippines. He noted the collaborative efforts surrounding economic corridors, maritime security, and maintaining territorial integrity in the face of regional challenges.
In response, Lazaro confirmed the commitment to promoting security cooperation, stating, “We will continue safeguarding regional peace, stability, and freedom of navigation in the South China Sea.”
The threat from China’s military presence in the South China Sea, a critical trading route, has grown, prompting the US and its allies to reinforce their positions.
With recent incidents where Chinese vessels deployed high-pressure water cannons against Philippine ships, the urgency for coordinated defense strategies has intensified.
Furthermore, during a previous visit to Manila, Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth reaffirmed the Trump administration’s commitment to the 1951 Mutual Defense Treaty, which binds the US and the Philippines to mutual defense against external attacks.
Lazaro commented that the Philippines continues to view the United States and Japan as indispensable partners in bolstering the country’s defense and security capabilities.
Thanking Rubio and Iwaya for their support regarding the South China Sea issue, she acknowledged the importance of their nations’ unwavering commitment to the Mutual Defense Treaty.
In light of the territorial disputes, Manila has referred to the waters in the South China Sea, located near the western coast of the Philippines, as the West Philippine Sea.
During talks, Lazaro also discussed advancing the US’s envisioned growth corridor in Asia, the Luzon corridor, aimed at facilitating major infrastructure and economic projects with the assistance of Japan and other like-minded states.
She highlighted the necessity for political strength to be underpinned by robust economic foundations, noting the US’s $3.8 million investment for a pre-feasibility study on a freight railway connecting the regions of Subic, Clark, Manila, and Batangas.
The development of the Luzon economic corridor is anticipated to foster the emergence of new growth hubs, bolstering economic activities in Central and Southern Luzon, and enhancing overall economic resilience against external pressures.
image source from：gmanetwork
