President Ferdinand "Bongbong" Marcos Jr. expressed optimism that the strong relationship between the Philippines and the United States will continue as the outgoing administration transitions to new leadership.

Marcos spoke to US Vice President Kamala Harris on Tuesday and reflected on the achievements the two nations have made during the Biden-Harris administration.

"The progress that we have made is terribly encouraging, and we just hope to build on that and continue to work on what we have begun and continue to stand for our shared values and the rule of international law," Marcos shared with Harris.

Harris, in turn, reaffirmed the United States' support for the Philippines amid China's continued aggression in the West Philippine Sea.

"It is extremely important to me and to the United States that we reaffirm the commitment to the defense of the Philippines, including the South China Sea," she said.

The conversation between the two leaders took place days after Marcos spoke to US President Joe Biden and Japan's Prime Minister Ishiba Shigeru.

Biden and Harris will conclude their terms on January 20.