‘First-in-line’ status offers Philippines little shelter from Trump

“Deterrence is necessary around the world, but specifically in this region, in your country, considering the threats from the communist Chinese and that friends need to stand shoulder to shoulder to deter conflict, to ensure that there’s free navigation,” US Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth said on his recent visit to Manila, where he also announced the deployment of new strategic weapons systems for annual bilateral military exercises.

“Whether you call it the South China Sea or the West Philippine Sea, we recognise that your country has [to] stand very firm in that location and in defence of your nation,” Hegseth told Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jnr at the Malacanang Palace.

In the latest reassuring statement from the second Trump administration, the US defence chief made it clear to his Filipino hosts that the US-Philippine mutual defence treaty is ironclad amid rising tensions in the South China Sea.

He also reiterated the Trump administration’s “peace through strength” mantra by emphasising how Washington is committed to preserving the status quo by building up its own military capabilities in tandem with allies. “Our allies will know we stand with them. Our admirals are prepared and they will be properly equipped”, he added.

As if that was not enough reassurance, US Secretary of State Marco Rubio is also set to visit Manila to double down on America’ commitment to its Southeast Asian ally. Last month, the Trump administration exempted the Philippines from the suspension of US overseas aid.

Meanwhile, Marcos is considering visiting the White House for a direct meeting with US President Donald Trump later this year to boost bilateral cooperation across the defence and economic realms. By and large, the Philippines has been at the receiving end of US strategic empathy, underscoring the robust foundation of the long-standing alliance as well as shared concerns over China’s maritime assertiveness in the western Pacific.