U.S. Defense Chief Backs PH Sovereignty

MANILA – U.S. Secretary of Defense Lloyd J. Austin III reaffirmed the United States’ strong commitment to the Philippines during his fourth visit, pledging enhanced security cooperation and disaster response assistance.

Secretary Austin met with President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. and Philippine Defense Secretary Gilberto C. Teodoro Jr. on November 18, 2024. The discussions highlighted the deepening partnership between the two nations, with a shared vision for a free and open Indo-Pacific.

Austin announced a PHP 56.5 million ($1 million) humanitarian aid package from the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) to support the Philippines’ recovery from Super Typhoon Pepito.

The leaders addressed regional security concerns, focusing on the South China Sea, where Philippine vessels have faced harassment from China.

“Secretary Austin underscored continued U.S. support for the Philippines in defending its sovereign rights and jurisdiction,” a joint statement read.

Austin emphasized the U.S.’s commitment to strengthening the Philippines’ defense capabilities and its capacity to resist coercion.

At Camp Aguinaldo, the defense leaders signed a General Security of Military Information Agreement (GSOMIA) to enhance information sharing and interoperability.

They also co-led the groundbreaking of a Combined Coordination Center (CCC), aimed at improving joint efforts in exercises, operations, and disaster response.

On November 19, Austin and Teodoro visited the Antonio Bautista Airbase in Palawan, one of nine Enhanced Defense Cooperation Agreement (EDCA) sites, and the Western Command (WESCOM), which oversees operations in the South China Sea.

The visit reinforced the U.S.-Philippines Mutual Defense Treaty, which Austin called “ironclad.” He reiterated that the treaty covers armed forces, public vessels, and aircraft operating in the South China Sea, including the Coast Guard.

Austin and Teodoro observed a demonstration of the T-12 Unmanned Surface Vessel, provided by the U.S. through Foreign Military Financing. The vessel enhances the Philippine Navy’s intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR) capabilities and maritime domain awareness (MDA).

Discussions included leveraging innovative technologies to protect the Philippines’ Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) and advancing operational planning with like-minded partners in the Indo-Pacific.

“These initiatives reaffirm the strength of the U.S.-Philippines alliance and underscore our commitment to peace, security, and shared values in the region,” Secretary Austin said.

President Marcos and Secretary Teodoro expressed appreciation for the U.S.’s unwavering support, highlighting the importance of joint efforts in addressing regional challenges.

The visit marked a significant step in modernizing the U.S.-Philippines alliance to meet evolving security needs and regional dynamics.