The Philippines and United States reaffirmed their alliance during the 12th Bilateral Strategic Dialogue in Manila, pledging to safeguard freedom of navigation and lawful use of the seas amid rising tensions in the South China Sea.
In a joint statement Tuesday, both governments expressed concern over China’s “illegal, coercive, aggressive, and deceptive” actions in the West Philippine Sea, warning these threaten peace, stability, and economic security in the Indo-Pacific.
“Both sides underscored their unwavering commitment to uphold a free, open, prosperous, and secure Indo-Pacific, grounded in mutual respect for sovereignty, territorial integrity, international law, and the peaceful resolution of disputes,” the statement read.
The allies reaffirmed the 1951 Mutual Defense Treaty, extending protection to armed forces, aircraft, and public vessels—including coast guards—anywhere in the Pacific, including the WPS.
They also committed to enhancing maritime domain awareness, expanding joint exercises such as Balikatan, and strengthening coordination with partners like Japan and Australia.
Since 2024, cooperation has included over 500 exercises and exchanges, deployment of advanced systems such as NMESIS, and U.S. investments in Philippine defense infrastructure under the Enhanced Defense Cooperation Agreement.
On the economic front, both sides pledged to develop the Luzon Economic Corridor, expand critical minerals supply chains, and enhance energy and nuclear infrastructure.
They also reaffirmed commitments to counterterrorism, combat crime and narcotics trafficking, address illegal immigration, and promote human rights.
With ASEAN chairing the bloc this year, the allies emphasized multilateral cooperation, reiterated support for peace in the Taiwan Strait, and condemned threats of force against sovereign nations.
The dialogue concluded with plans to establish a trilateral policy dialogue with Japan and maintain close coordination on shared priorities through 2026.