U.S. Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth met with Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. on Monday to discuss a range of issues, including the mutual defense treaty between the two countries.

In a statement published on its website, the U.S. Department of Defense (the Pentagon) noted that Hegseth and Marcos Jr. addressed "shared security concerns in the Indo-Pacific region, as well as recent developments in the U.S.-Philippine alliance."

Hegseth affirmed, "We remain committed to the Mutual Defense Treaty," adding that this alliance "extends to armed attacks on our armed forces, aircraft, or public vessels—including the Coast Guard—anywhere in the Pacific."

He further stated, "The United States is committed to securing peace through strength and stands ready to work with all nations that share this desire in the region." Emphasizing that the U.S. does "not seek confrontation," Hegseth made clear that Washington remains "prepared and resolute."

Addressing the Philippine president, the defense secretary added, "We are proud to support our shared economic vitality, including your efforts to modernize your armed forces and collective defense," noting rapid progress in strengthening "credible deterrence and maintaining a free and open Indo-Pacific."

Marcos Praises Balikatan Exercises, Stresses Regional Stability

For his part, President Marcos Jr. highlighted the success of the Balikatan 2025 military exercises, which involved the Philippines, the U.S., and over 20 other nations, stating that their effectiveness was evident in the feedback from Philippine troops.

The 40th iteration of the annual Balikatan drills, held from April 21 to May 9, covered land, air, and sea operations, as well as cybersecurity and space defense.

Marcos expressed satisfaction with the deepening cooperation between Manila and Washington, stating, "Significant efforts have been made to maintain peace and stability in the South China Sea—indeed, across the entire Indo-Pacific region. We are always very pleased to continue strengthening this relationship."

A Decades-Long Alliance

The U.S. and the Philippines share a longstanding alliance, with military and security cooperation as one of its cornerstones. The two nations signed the Mutual Defense Treaty in 1951, which commits both sides to defend each other in times of need.