Teodoro, Hegseth tackle need to reestablish SCS deterrence
(FILES) A blast of aggression: China Coast Guard and Chinese Maritime Militia vessels harassed, blocked, deployed water cannons, and executed dangerous maneuvers in another attempt to illegally impede or obstruct a routine resupply and rotation mission to BRP Sierra Madre (LS 57) at Ayungin Shoal.
Photo courtesy of Philippine Coast Guard
Pentagon spokesman John Ullyot said that newly appointed United States Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth made an introductory call on Wednesday with Philippine Defense Secretary Gilberto Teodoro Jr. to discuss defense cooperation in the Washington-Manila Alliance.
In his readout, Ullyot said the defense chiefs “discussed the importance of reestablishing deterrence in the South China Sea, including by working with allies and partners.”
“They also discussed enhancing the capability and capacity of the Armed Forces of the Philippines,” he added.
According to Ullyot, Hegseth reaffirmed the U.S.'s ironclad commitment to the 1951 Mutual Defense Treaty with the Philippines.
Hegseth also mentioned the “importance” of “maintaining a secure and prosperous” Indo-Pacific region.
Ullyot added that Hegseth has “pledged to remain in close coordination with Secretary Teodoro.”