US, Philippines agree to strengthen deterrence in the region
By: Joe M. Reyes | Published: July 25, 2025
Reading Time: 4 minutes
Washington — US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth said the US and the Philippines have agreed to strengthen deterrence to keep the Indo-Pacific region free and open.
In a meeting with President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., Hegseth also said that the US will be deploying more “cutting-edge” missiles and drones to the Philippines. (Also read: The Philippines: a new laboratory for US cutting-edge missiles and drones )
“We’re also deploying new cutting-edge missiles and unmanned systems and revitalizing our defense industrial bases,” Hegseth also told Marcos.
“We’ve made rapid progress enhancing real deterrence and upholding a free and open Asia Pacific through deepening our interoperability and expanding joint exercises.”
The US has deployed two missile systems – the Typhon or the Mid-Range Capability missile system, and the Navy-Marine Expeditionary Ship Interdiction System or NMESIS.
China opposed the missile deployment, saying these undermine the security and stability in the region.
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“Together, we must forge a strong shield of real deterrence for peace, ensuring the long-term security and prosperity for our nations,” Hegseth said.
He said the “storied alliance” of US and Philippines “has never been stronger or more essential than it is today and together we remain committed to the Mutual Defense Treaty.”
Article IV of the 1951 agreement says an armed attack in the Pacific on either side “would be dangerous to its peace and safety and declares that it would act to meet the common dangers in accordance with its constitutional processes.”
“And this pact extends to armed attacks on our armed forces, aircraft or public vessels, including our Coast Guard anywhere in the Pacific, including the South China Sea,” said Hegseth.
He reiterated that the Asia Pacific region is a “priority theater” of the US, adding that the US is “committed to achieving peace through strength and willing to work with all nations who share this desire in the region.”
“We do not seek confrontation, but we are and will be ready and resolute,” Hegseth also said.
Hegseth also reiterated the US commitment to helping the Philippine military’s ongoing modernization program.
The Armed Forces is in the middle of acquiring modern equipment, including warships and fighter jets, to enhance its territorial defense capability.
“We’re proud to support our mutual economic vitality, including your efforts to modernize your armed forces and collective defense,” said Hegseth.
“And since our last meeting in Manila, during my first trip to the Asia Pacific in March, our teams have made remarkable strides,” added Hegseth who visited Manila last March.
Sought for a comment, Navy spokesman for the West Philippine Sea Rear Admiral Roy Vincent Trinidad said the military was waiting for further details about the planned US deployment of a new missile system to the Philippines.
“But the overall posture of the Armed Forces is that we welcome all statements of support, all actions by our like-minded countries who support us in our stand in the West Philippine Sea,” said Trinidad.
Trinidad said the planned deployment would help deter Chinese aggressions in the West Philippine Sea.
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