US Secretary of State Marco Rubio Reaffirms Defense Commitments to Philippines and Strengthens Quad Alliance

Rubio emphasizes US-Philippines defense ties under the Mutual Defense Treaty and pledges Quad cooperation to counter China's actions in the Indo-Pacific.

Marco Rubio, in his first call as US Secretary of State, assured the Philippines of the US's 'ironclad' commitment under the Mutual Defense Treaty, addressing China's actions in the South China Sea.
Rubio criticized China's 'dangerous and destabilizing' behavior in the region, stating it undermines peace and violates international law.
The Quad nations—US, India, Japan, and Australia—reaffirmed their commitment to a free and open Indo-Pacific, opposing unilateral actions to alter the status quo by force or coercion.
Philippine Defense Secretary Gilberto Teodoro met with US National Security Advisor Mike Waltz to discuss strengthening bilateral defense ties and enhancing regional security cooperation.
The Philippines plans to acquire the US Typhon missile system, highlighting its push to safeguard maritime interests, despite China's warnings of a regional arms race.