Manila, Philippines – The United States Secretary of State, Antony Blinken, reaffirmed the strong relationship between the US and the Philippines, emphasizing the alliance as ‘ironclad’. Blinken’s visit to the Philippines aimed to strengthen diplomatic ties and cooperation on various issues, including security, economic development, and COVID-19 response.
During a meeting with Philippine Foreign Secretary Teodoro Locsin Jr., Blinken highlighted the importance of the US-Philippines Mutual Defense Treaty in ensuring regional stability and security in the Indo-Pacific. The treaty, signed in 1951, underscores the commitment of both nations to defend each other in case of an armed attack.
Discussions between Blinken and Philippine officials also focused on the South China Sea, where China’s expansive territorial claims have raised tensions with neighboring countries. The US has expressed support for the Philippines and other Southeast Asian nations in upholding international law and ensuring freedom of navigation in the region.
In addition to security issues, Blinken and Locsin addressed economic cooperation and the US commitment to supporting the Philippines’ economic recovery from the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic. The US recently provided over 3 million doses of COVID-19 vaccines to the Philippines as part of its global vaccine sharing initiative.
The meeting between Blinken and Locsin underscored the strategic partnership between the US and the Philippines, highlighting the shared values of democracy, human rights, and the rule of law. The discussions aimed to strengthen cooperation on a wide range of issues, from regional security to economic development and public health.
Overall, Blinken’s visit to the Philippines reaffirmed the enduring friendship and cooperation between the two nations, emphasizing the importance of the US-Philippines alliance in promoting peace, stability, and prosperity in the Indo-Pacific region. The meetings between US and Philippine officials laid the groundwork for continued collaboration on key issues of mutual interest, demonstrating the ongoing commitment to strengthening bilateral ties.