MANILA, Philippines — United States Ambassador to the Philippines Lee Lipton clarified on Saturday that Washington has no plans to announce developments regarding the proposed Pax Silica Economic Security Zone during or after the upcoming ASEAN Leaders’ Summit in Manila.
In an official statement, Lipton addressed media speculation swirling around the high-level summit, emphasizing that any future decisions regarding the project will involve close coordination with the Philippine government.
“As the U.S. Ambassador to the Republic of the Philippines, I would like to address comments in the media about an announcement on the Pax Silica Economic Security Zone to occur during or after the ASEAN Leaders’ Summit in Manila this month,” Lipton said.
“No such announcement on the Pax Silica Economic Security Zone was ever planned,” he added.
The U.S. envoy noted that moving forward with the initiative requires evaluating its broader effects, assuring that stakeholder concerns will be thoroughly reviewed.
“As stated previously and as part of this process, we expect rigorous discussions on impacts to all stakeholders,” Lipton stated.
The Philippines became part of the U.S.-backed Pax Silica initiative earlier this year. The broader project eyes the creation of a 4,000-acre advanced manufacturing zone across Luzon designed to fortify global supply chains, drive investments, and create employment opportunities.
Despite ruling out an immediate summit announcement, Lipton reaffirmed Washington’s long-term commitment to collaborating with Manila on the economic framework.
“We look forward to working alongside the government of the Philippines about this exciting initiative to secure supply chains and attract quality investment in support of economic growth and jobs at home for the Filipino people,” he concluded.
US President Donald Trump is anticipated to join regional leaders for the ASEAN summit in Manila.