US defense Secretary Pete Hegseth on Thursday spoke on the phone with his Philippine counterpart Gilberto Eduardo Gerardo C. Teodoro, Jr. to discuss boosting deterrence in the South China Sea amid rising tensions with China, according to the US Department of State. “The leaders discussed the importance of reestablishing deterrence in the South China Sea, including by working with allies and partners,” the US agency said. “They also discussed enhancing the capability and capacity of the Armed Forces of the Philippines.” Mr. Hegseth reaffirmed Washington’s “ironclad” commitment to its Mutual Defense Treaty with Manila to secure peace in the Indo-Pacific region. He also vowed to work with Mr. Teodoro in boosting defense cooperation efforts between both countries.

Ordoñez, J. V. D. (2025, February 7). US defense chief vows to continue deterrence with PHL in South China Sea. BusinessWorld, p. S1/12.