Economics
Hegseth Talks South China Sea ‘Deterrence’ With Philippines
- President Marcos pledges continuous defense of territory
- US, Japan, Australia and Philippines held sea drills Wednesday
The Philippines has turned to the US and other countries to push back against Beijing’s sweeping claims over the South China Sea, which were invalidated by an international arbitration ruling in 2016.
Photographer: Lisa Marie David/BloombergThis article is for subscribers only.
US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth reaffirmed Washington’s “ironclad” commitment to a mutual defense treaty with the Philippines during a call with his counterpart in Manila in the face of geopolitical tensions in South China Sea.
“The leaders discussed the importance of reestablishing deterrence in the South China Sea,” and the need to enhance “the capability and capacity” of the Philippine military, according to the readout of the Feb. 5 call between Hegseth and Philippine Defense Secretary Gilberto Teodoro Jr.