MANILA — The United States reaffirmed its commitment to helping maintain peace and security in the South China Sea as President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. and US Secretary of State Marco Rubio discussed regional security, economic cooperation, and bilateral trade during a telephone conversation on Monday.
The high-level talks underscored the growing strategic partnership between Manila and Washington amid continuing tensions in the disputed South China Sea and expanding cooperation on economic and infrastructure initiatives in the Indo-Pacific region.
Marcos said the discussion focused on key regional concerns and efforts to further strengthen ties between the two longtime allies.
“I had a productive phone call with US Secretary of State Marco Rubio this morning, during which we discussed critical regional and economic priorities, and bilateral trade matters,” Marcos said in a social media post.
“Our exchange underscored our countries’ mutual commitment to strengthening the PH-US alliance and addressing shared regional interests,” he continued.
The US State Department said the conversation covered a broad range of economic and security issues, including efforts to promote stability in the South China Sea, where China and several Southeast Asian nations, including the Philippines, have overlapping territorial claims.
In a statement, State Department spokesperson Thomas Pigott said Rubio reaffirmed Washington’s support for Manila on regional security matters.
“Secretary of State Marco Rubio spoke today with Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos, Jr. to discuss a range of bilateral economic and security priorities, including efforts to advance peace and security in the South China Sea,” Pigott said.
The two officials also discussed economic development initiatives, particularly the Luzon Economic Corridor, a flagship project aimed at boosting infrastructure investments and economic growth in key areas of the Philippines.
“The Secretary reaffirmed US’ commitment to developing the Luzon Economic Corridor and exploring ways to address the energy challenges in the region,” he added.
Pigott noted that Rubio highlighted the enduring strength of US-Philippine relations as both countries celebrate 80 years of diplomatic relations and 75 years of alliance ties this year.
The latest Marcos-Rubio conversation comes as the Philippines and the United States continue to deepen cooperation in defense, trade, energy development, and maritime security amid evolving geopolitical challenges in the Indo-Pacific region./PN
