An official website of the United States government
Here's how you know
A .mil website belongs to an official U.S. Department of Defense organization in the United States.
A lock (lock ) or https:// means you’ve safely connected to the .mil website. Share sensitive information only on official, secure websites.

Home : Media : News : News Article View
NEWS | April 13, 2023

U.S., Philippine Leaders Vow Further Alliance Progress

By Jim Garamone DOD News

WASHINGTON -- The United States and the Philippines have made rapid strides in upgrading their alliance, and are charging ahead to do more, defense leaders from both countries said at the Pentagon today.

Secretary of Defense Lloyd J. Austin III met with Carlito Galvez Jr., senior undersecretary and officer in charge of the Department of National Defense of the Philippines, to deepen military-to-military contacts between the two nations.

The meeting came as the Balikatan exercise kicked off in the Philippines. It is the largest joint exercise in years.

The Pentagon meeting follows the so-called two-plus-two meetings at the State Department yesterday that included foreign policy leaders as well.

"This is an historic moment for our alliances as we take critical steps together to deepen our ties and strengthen peace and stability in the region," Austin said. "We share our vision for a free and open Indo-Pacific — one grounded and transparency, freedom of navigation, the rule of law, respect for sovereignty and the peaceful resolution of disputes."

Spotlight: Focus on Indo-Pacific

These principles are being challenged in many places around the globe. "We've seen a troubling increase in coercion and dangerous operational behavior, including in the South China Sea," the secretary said.

The U.S.-Philippines alliance is deeply committed to these principles that have served the region and the globe so well. Austin carefully spelled out what the alliance includes. "As we've made abundantly clear, the mutual defense treaty applies to armed attacks on either of our armed forces, or public vessels or aircraft anywhere in the South China Sea," he said.

The two nations have also made important progress in bolstering the capabilities and capacities of the respective armed forces to resist coercion and gray zone aggression.

"We're close to finalizing a security sector assistance roadmap that charts a path forward to strengthen deterrence and align our defense investments with the evolving security environment," the secretary said. "And … we're also expanding our cooperation under the Enhanced Defense Cooperation Agreement, which will make our armed forces more flexible and more resilient and supports our ability to train and operate together."

CONNECT WITH USINDOPACOM
Facebook

Like Us
Twitter
342,728
Follow Us

ENGAGE & CONNECT MORE WITH PACOM

                                                 

IN THE USINDOPACOM NEWS
USINDOPACOM Statement on DPRK Launch
Aug. 23, 2023 - We are aware of the DPRK’s launch using ballistic missile technology, which despite its failure, is a brazen violation of multiple unanimous UN Security Council resolutions, raises tensions, and risks destabilizing the...

DOD, Coast Guard Continue Support to Maui
Equipment for Joint Task Force 5-0 arrives from the Hawaii National Guard at Kahului Airport on Maui, Hawaii, Aug. 19, 2023. It will be used to aid the wildfire recovery effort.
Aug. 23, 2023 - Nearly 700 Defense Department personnel and 157 Coast Guardsmen are currently engaged with the U.S. Army Pacific Command and Joint Task Force 5-0 mission...

Papua New Guinea leads joint maritime operations with U.S. Coast Guard
The USCGC Myrtle Hazard (WPC 1139) command stand for a photo with partners from the Papua New Guinea Defense Forces, Customs Services, National Fisheries Authority, and Department of Transport's maritime security division following an operational planning and subject matter exchange with partners in Port Moresby, Papua New Guinea on Aug. 22, 2023. The U.S. Coast Guard is in Papua New Guinea at the invitation of the PNG government to join their lead in maritime operations to combat illegal fishing and safeguard maritime resources following the recent signing and ratification of the bilateral agreement between the United States and Papua New Guinea. (U.S. Coast Guard photo by Chief Warrant Officer Sara Muir)
Aug. 23, 2023 - Papua New Guinea (PNG) has invited the USCGC Myrtle Hazard (WPC 1139) to join their lead in maritime operations to combat illegal fishing and safeguard maritime resources during August 2023...

Statement from White House Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre on President Biden’s Travel to New Delhi, India, and Vice President Harris’ Travel to Jakarta, Indonesia
Aug. 22, 2023 - President Joseph R. Biden, Jr. will travel to New Delhi, India, from September 7-10  to attend the G20 Leaders’ Summit...

U.S. Coast Guard teams with Government of Guam, industry, military partners for annual comprehensive port security exercise
The Port of Guam, as seen from Nimitz Hill on Dec. 13, 2022. The Port of Guam is essential to the security and prosperity of Guam, handling over 1 million tons of cargo and over 300 vessels in 2022. (U.S. Coast Guard photo by Chief Warrant Officer Sara Muir)
Aug. 22, 2023 - The U.S. Coast Guard Forces Micronesia/Sector Guam, in collaboration with Government of Guam stakeholders and industry partners, will conduct a robust full-scale maritime security training exercise at the strategically vital...