Hegseth: U.S. to Boost Military Aid, Drills in Philippines/ Newslooks/ WASHINGTON/ J. Mansour/ Morning Edition/ U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth pledged to increase deterrence against China during his visit to the Philippines. He criticized the previous administration and announced expanded military drills, aid, and deployments. The visit comes amid heightened tensions in the South China Sea and broader Indo-Pacific concerns.
U.S.-Philippines Defense Talks Quick Looks
- Hegseth commits to expanded deterrence against China
- Trump administration aims to rebuild military posture globally
- $500 million pledged to modernize Philippine armed forces
- Joint military exercises to include missile systems, sea drones
- Special ops training planned near Taiwan-adjacent Batanes Islands
- China warns Philippines about deepening U.S. ties
- Hegseth emphasizes peace “through strength”
- Trump’s “America First” policy continues to shape U.S. posture in Asia
Hegseth: U.S. to Boost Military Aid, Drills in Philippines
Deep Look
U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, during his first official visit to Asia, announced that the Trump administration will intensify its military deterrence against perceived global threats—particularly China’s growing assertiveness in the South China Sea. Standing beside Philippine defense officials in Manila, Hegseth emphasized that Washington remains firmly committed to regional allies.
“The world is dealing with years of deferred maintenance and weakness,” Hegseth said, blaming the previous Biden administration for allowing adversaries to test U.S. resolve. “We are now rebuilding strength and deterrence in multiple regions, especially here in the Indo-Pacific.”
Speaking after a meeting with Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. and Defense Secretary Gilberto Teodoro, Hegseth reiterated the need for closer defense coordination. “Peace is achieved through strength,” he stated, stressing that while the U.S. does not seek conflict, it must be ready to deter aggression—particularly from “communist China.”
China’s expansive territorial claims in the South China Sea have led to rising friction with the Philippines and other Southeast Asian nations. Despite international rulings against Beijing’s claims, confrontations between Chinese and Philippine vessels have intensified over the past two years.
Hegseth said the U.S. would stand by its treaty obligations and warned that China’s behavior required a strong and united response.
“Friends must stand shoulder to shoulder to ensure freedom of navigation—whether it’s the South China Sea or the West Philippine Sea,” he told President Marcos.
Military Expansion and Assistance
To reinforce U.S.-Philippine military cooperation, Hegseth announced an enhanced deployment for next month’s joint exercises. These include the Navy Marine Expeditionary Ship Interdiction System, which features anti-ship missiles, along with unmanned sea vessels. He said such tools would enable both countries to simulate the defense of Philippine sovereignty.
Hegseth also revealed that U.S. special operations forces would begin training in Batanes, the northernmost Philippine province located near Taiwan—a hotspot of regional tension. China regards Taiwan as a breakaway province and has threatened to annex it by force.
Additionally, Hegseth confirmed that the Philippines would receive increased U.S. security assistance, building on the $500 million military modernization package previously outlined under President Biden.
Adm. Samuel Paparo, head of the U.S. Indo-Pacific Command, is also reportedly developing contingency strategies to complicate potential Chinese military action. Hegseth cited Paparo’s planning as an example of Washington’s preparedness.
“He has real war plans and is working closely with our allies to create strategic dilemmas for China,” he said.
Regional Reaction and Criticism
The Chinese government responded sharply ahead of Hegseth’s visit. Defense Ministry spokesman Wu Qian warned that U.S.-Philippine military cooperation “must not harm the security interests of other countries.” He accused the United States of breaking promises and abandoning allies in the past.
Foreign Ministry spokesperson Guo Jiakun echoed those sentiments, warning the Philippines not to open the door to a “predator” and cautioning against being used as a “chess piece” in geopolitical maneuvering.
Despite the criticism, Philippine Defense Secretary Teodoro reaffirmed his country’s commitment to alliance-building. “God forbid, but we must be prepared. Deterrence is the best way to avoid future conflict,” he said.
Hegseth’s remarks also reflect a continued emphasis on President Trump’s “America First” foreign policy, which has raised questions among some regional partners about the long-term depth of U.S. engagement in Asia.
While the Biden administration had reaffirmed America’s treaty obligations to defend the Philippines in the event of an armed attack—including incidents in the South China Sea—Hegseth doubled down on that pledge, signaling continuity despite political changes in Washington.
Symbolic and Strategic Signals
During his Manila visit, Hegseth struck a tone of camaraderie and strength. Dressed casually in a sweatshirt and shorts, he joined American and Filipino troops for a workout session that included push-ups and group training, photos of which were posted on social media by the U.S. Embassy.
Hegseth also sought to dispel ongoing scrutiny over his involvement in a controversial Signal group chat, where sensitive military discussions were reportedly shared. In Manila, he remained composed and focused on the broader goals of regional defense.
Following the Philippines, Hegseth is set to travel to Japan, another key U.S. ally in the Indo-Pacific. His visit is expected to include further talks on bolstering deterrence against regional threats.
As U.S. defense policy continues to pivot toward the Indo-Pacific, Hegseth’s message in Manila was unmistakable: America intends to remain a military force in the region, and it expects its allies to stand united in the face of growing global challenges.
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