THE United States and the Philippines are launching a dedicated Task Force Philippines to strengthen military interoperability and reestablish deterrence in the South China Sea, US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth announced Friday during a joint press conference with Philippine Defense Secretary Gilberto Teodoro Jr.
‘We’re publicly announcing the Task Force Philippines here with you today,’ Hegseth said, describing it as a new step in bilateral cooperation focused on ‘increasing interoperability, exercising and preparedness.’
He said the task force will enable both countries to respond decisively to crises or aggression and reaffirm their shared commitment to regional stability.
The announcement came after the two officials held their fourth bilateral meeting this year, on the sidelines of the ASEAN Defense Ministers’ Meeting Plus in Kuala Lumpur.
Hegseth emphasized the strength of the alliance, saying ‘our alliance has never been stronger’ and that the Mutual Defense Treaty remains ‘the bedrock’ of US-Philippine security ties.
‘We share concerns about China’s coercion in the South China Sea, particularly recently in Scarborough Shoal,’Hegseth said. He reiterated that the treaty applies to ‘either of our forces, anywhere in the South China Sea.’ While stressing that ‘we don’t seek confrontation,’ he made clear that both nations are ‘ready to protect our interests individually and mutually.’
On social media, Hegseth reinforced the message, posting on X: ‘SND Teodoro and I met today for the fourth time this year to advance our strong defense partnership. We will work relentlessly to reestablish deterrence in the South China Sea and advance our alliance.’
In a separate meeting on the same day, Hegseth also sat down with China’s Minister of National Defense Admiral Dong Jun, describing the exchange as ‘good and constructive.’
In his X post, Hegseth said he ‘highlighted the importance of maintaining a balance of power in the Indo-Pacific’ and raised US concerns about ‘China’s activities in the South China Sea, around Taiwan, and towards US allies and partners.’
Caption: Bilateral meeting between US and China at the sidelines of ASEAN Defense Ministers Plus Meeting in Kuala Lumpur (credit: @secwar X)
‘The United States does not seek conflict,’ Hegseth wrote, ‘but it will continue to stoutly defend its interests and ensure it has the capabilities in the region to do so.’
He added that the meeting followed a September 9 video teleconference with Admiral Dong and that ‘discussions with the People’s Liberation Army on matters of mutual importance’ will continue.
Teodoro welcomed the Task Force Philippines initiative, saying it reflects the depth of work both governments have invested in the alliance.
‘The US-Philippine alliance should not be seen in isolation,’ he said. ‘It is based on fundamentals-respect for international law, respect for territorial integrity and sovereignty.’
He stressed that deeper interoperability and broader cooperation with like-minded allies are essential not only for the Philippines and the United States, but for the global community.
‘Freedom of navigation, respect for territorial integrity and sovereignty are not only important for us, but for the whole world,’ Teodoro said, citing the Philippines’ strategic position in global supply chains and the regional security environment.
The two defense chiefs also announced the completion of an Alliance Readiness Action Plan, which Hegseth said will ‘accelerate all of our major defense priorities.’ He thanked Teodoro for his leadership and reaffirmed the importance of the partnership.
‘We look forward to deepening the alliance not only for now, but for future generations of freedom-loving people that both the United States and the Philippines represent,’ Teodoro said.