In Manila, the Philippines’ ambassador to the United States expressed optimism regarding the continuity of military collaboration between the Philippines and the U.S. under President Donald Trump’s administration. This comes amid rising concerns over China’s aggressive stance in the South China Sea. Ambassador Jose Romualdez, after engaging with U.S. officials in diplomacy, defense, and Congress, believes that the U.S. will persist in its support for modernizing the Philippine military. This support is crucial for the Philippines as it faces challenges from China’s assertive activities in the contested waters.
“Everything will remain as it is,” Romualdez assured reporters during a press briefing in Manila. “I am confident in our ongoing partnership.” A potential meeting between President Trump and Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. is being scheduled and could take place when both leaders’ agendas align, possibly in the spring.
Chinese officials have not yet responded to the ambassador’s remarks. Meanwhile, Trump’s “America First” policy, with its focus on reducing foreign aid, has sparked concern over the U.S.’s commitment in the Indo-Pacific under his administration. However, recent discussions between defense officials from both nations have reinforced their mutual dedication to a strong alliance.
In talks on the sidelines of the Munich Security Conference, U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio and Philippine Foreign Secretary Enrique Manalo reiterated a commitment to the United States-Philippines alliance. They discussed strategies to counter China’s destabilizing influence in the South China Sea and enhance economic cooperation in sectors such as infrastructure, critical minerals, and information technology.
The South China Sea remains a significant point of tension, with incidents involving China and the Philippines becoming increasingly frequent. The passage is vital for international trade, and several countries, including Vietnam, Malaysia, Brunei, and Taiwan, have laid overlapping claims to parts of it for decades.
Ambassador Romualdez emphasized the importance of U.S. support in maintaining freedom of navigation and overflight in these contested waters, as this also benefits other allied nations. “We’re at the forefront of efforts to keep the Indo-Pacific region free and open,” he stated.
Under former President Joe Biden’s leadership, there was a concerted effort to fortify security alliances across the Indo-Pacific, aimed at countering China’s assertiveness, especially concerning Taiwan. This aligns with President Marcos’ objectives to bolster the Philippines’ defense capabilities to safeguard the country’s sovereign interests in the South China Sea.
