The United States has reaffirmed its long-standing security partnership with the Philippines, highlighting the alliance as vital to maintaining peace and stability in the Indo-Pacific.
US Ambassador to the Philippines Lee Lipton made the statement on Monday, November 2, following a visit to Cebu by US Secretary of War Pete Hegseth for the ASEAN Defense Ministers’ Meeting-Plus.
“I want to reaffirm the United States’s enduring commitment to the Philippines and our shared vision for a peaceful, secure, and prosperous Indo-Pacific,” Lipton said.
“Our commitment to Philippine security is ironclad,” he added.
According to Lipton, bilateral ties have deepened under President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., driven by mutual respect, shared principles, and regional security goals.
He highlighted key areas of cooperation, including hundreds of annual joint military exercises, substantial US security assistance, expanded maritime operations, disaster response coordination, public health projects, and high-level defense dialogues.
“We’re in this for the long-term,” Lipton stressed.
“The United States is proud to call the Philippines an ally, partner, and friend. Our relationship is not simply a matter of treaties or shared strategic interests; it is a bond between our peoples that grows stronger every day,” he further stated.
Lipton noted that Secretary Hegseth’s engagement with Southeast Asian nations reflects Washington’s focus on reinforcing regional alliances. He stated that these diplomatic efforts highlight the current administration’s resolve to back regional peace with strategic strength.
“His visit underscores the genuine importance the United States places on Southeast Asia and on our extraordinary alliance with the Philippines,” Lipton said.
“As we mark 75 years of the U.S.-Philippines Mutual Defense Treaty, our message is clear: our alliance is stronger than ever,” he added.
The ambassador also reiterated Washington’s backing for Philippine sovereignty, territorial integrity, and freedom of navigation, which are vital for international trade.
Beyond defense, Lipton emphasized the need to bolster economic ties alongside security cooperation, noting that mutual trade remains key to shared prosperity.