Manila – Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. announced on Tuesday that he had a “very friendly” and “productive” phone call with U.S. President-elect Donald Trump, during which they discussed strengthening the long-standing alliance between their nations.
Marcos expressed optimism about the future of U.S.-Philippine relations, emphasizing his administration’s intent to bolster defense ties with Washington amid shared regional security concerns. “I think President-elect Trump was happy to hear from the Philippines,” Marcos said, adding that he hoped to meet Trump soon.
The Philippines, a critical partner in the U.S. strategy to counter China’s growing assertiveness in the South China Sea and toward Taiwan, has experienced a renewed bond with Washington under Marcos. This comes after strained relations during former President Rodrigo Duterte’s term, who was often critical of the U.S.
Highlighting the alliance’s importance, U.S. Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin visited the Philippines’ Western Command on Palawan, near the South China Sea, on Tuesday. He reaffirmed the U.S.’s unwavering commitment to the 1951 Mutual Defense Treaty, which ensures U.S. support in case of an attack on Philippine forces. “Our commitment… is ironclad,” Austin declared, stressing the treaty’s applicability to armed attacks anywhere in the South China Sea.
Marcos also shared a personal anecdote from his conversation with Trump, who inquired about his 95-year-old mother, Imelda Marcos. “He asked, ‘How is Imelda?’ I told him she’s congratulating you,” Marcos recounted.
The strategic South China Sea remains a point of tension between the Philippines and China, which claims nearly the entire area despite a 2016 ruling by the Permanent Court of Arbitration invalidating these claims. Washington supports this ruling, although Beijing continues to reject it. The contested waters are not only a vital trade route but also a significant geopolitical flashpoint, drawing global attention and heightening regional stakes.