U.S. and Philippines Strengthen Alliance with a Focus on Indo-Pacific Security and Economic Cooperation

Photo credit: US State Department

Secretary of State Antony J. Blinken met with Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos, Jr., in Manila, highlighting the critical role of the U.S.-Philippine Alliance in ensuring security and prosperity in the Indo-Pacific region. Both leaders reiterated their commitment to upholding international law, particularly in the contentious South China Sea.

The meeting underscored recent advancements in bilateral relations, including the successful Presidential Trade and Investment Mission to Manila and the signing of a significant civil nuclear cooperation agreement, known as the “123” agreement, during the APEC Economic Leaders’ Week in San Francisco. Furthermore, Blinken and Marcos discussed ongoing initiatives aimed at bolstering shared economic priorities across various sectors such as semiconductors, clean energy, the digital economy, and infrastructure development.

Looking ahead, the Secretary and President Marcos expressed anticipation for forthcoming high-level engagements to deepen bilateral relations. These include a meeting between President Marcos and President Biden in Washington, D.C., in April, alongside the inaugural trilateral leaders’ summit involving the United States, the Philippines, and Japan. Additionally, they explored efforts to promote human rights and strengthen democratic institutions, underlining the multifaceted nature of the U.S.-Philippines alliance beyond security and economic cooperation.