Hegseth says US to boost ties with Philippines as deterrence against China: 'Peace through strength'

Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth said Friday that the Trump administration intends to boost military ties with the Philippines to strengthen deterrence against Chinese aggression in the disputed South China Sea. The assurance came during a meeting with President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. in the Philippines, part of Hegseth’s trip to Asia to reaffirm Washington's "ironclad" commitment to the region under the administration of President Donald Trump.

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