US reaffirms commitment to strong alliance with Philippines in new military talks

Top generals from the Philippines and the United States (US) discussed military modernization efforts and expanding joint exercises during their first bilateral phone call, according to a statement from US Joint Staff spokesperson Navy Captain Jeral Dorsey on Wednesday, February 12.

On February 10, US Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff General CQ Brown Jr. held a phone conversation with Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) General Romeo Brawner Jr., during which they addressed several key topics, including the Enhanced Defense Cooperation Agreement (EDCA) sites — Philippine military facilities where US personnel and assets can be stationed, Caliber.Az reports, citing Philippine media outlets.

Brown emphasized the importance of domain awareness in the Philippine exclusive economic zone (EEZ), Dorsey said.

“The US continues to closely partner with the Philippines and remains committed to maintaining a strong alliance based on shared strategic interests and democratic values,” Dorsey added.

As treaty allies bound by the Mutual Defense Treaty (MDT), the Philippines and the US are obligated to defend each other in the event of an attack. Under the first Trump administration, the US affirmed that the MDT extends to the South China Sea.

Under President Biden’s administration, the bilateral relationship between the two countries strengthened significantly. Philippine Foreign Secretary Enrique Manalo described the partnership as being on “hyperdrive.” During this period, the Philippines added four new EDCA sites in key locations near the West Philippine Sea and Taiwan. The two nations also signed the Security of Military Information Agreement, and the first trilateral leaders summit was held between President Biden, Japan’s Prime Minister, and President Marcos.

In mid-2024, the US committed $500 million in foreign military financing to modernize both the AFP and the Philippine Coast Guard, a move that garnered bipartisan support in Congress. Despite a pause in foreign aid under Trump, military officials remained optimistic about continued support for the Philippines.

By Tamilla Hasanova