Manila, MAGA talk security, trade

President Marcos Jr. will meet with U.S. President Donald Trump at the White House on July 22, marking the first visit by an Asean head of state since Trump returned to office earlier this year. 

The meeting will take place as part of Marcos’ official visit to the United States from 20 to 22 July.

The visit highlights the continued strength of Philippine-U.S. relations, with both leaders expected to engage in substantive talks focused on economic development, security cooperation, and regional stability.

In a pre-departure briefing at Malacañang on Friday, Department of Foreign Affairs Assistant Secretary Raquel Solano said the meeting aims to “further strengthen the Philippines-United States alliance” and to explore expanded cooperation across key sectors.

High on the agenda is the proposed 20% tariff on Philippine exports to the U.S., a policy the Marcos administration hopes to address through “constructive and mutually beneficial dialogue.”

“We hope, of course, to arrive at a bilateral trade agreement or a deal on reciprocal trade that is mutually acceptable, mutually beneficial for both our countries,” Solano said.

Marcos is also expected to present current and emerging investment opportunities in the Philippines to American business leaders during the visit. 

Defense and maritime cooperation will be another key area of discussion, especially amid growing regional security challenges.

“The leaders will discuss ways to enhance defense cooperation and maritime security, as well as efforts to maintain regional stability amid evolving geopolitical challenges,” Solano said. 

On 21 July, Marcos will also hold separate meetings with U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio and Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth.

The DFA hopes that Marcos will be able to secure support from the US government in terms of “enhancing the capabilities” of the Armed Forces of the Philippines and the Philippine Coast Guard.

“Well, in the agenda of the meetings, there’s going to be an exchange of views on regional issues and concerns. So, ultimately, this issue on the West Philippine Sea would be discussed,” Solano said. 

She added that the two leaders will further discuss the Manila-Washington long-standing military cooperation. 

“Well, as you know, we have a standing agreement with the United States regarding the conduct of the Balikatan exercises. So, it’s not totally surprising also if there’s going to be discussions on the possible deployment and employment of military assets to the region,” Solano told reporters. 

The President will wrap up his trip with a press briefing for the Philippine media before departing for Manila on July 22. 

Meanwhile, Solano lamented that the President will not be meeting with the Filipino community in the U.S. due to a tight schedule. 

Marcos will be accompanied by a high-level delegation, including DFA Secretary Ma. Theresa Lazaro, Defense Secretary Gilberto Teodoro Jr., Trade Secretary Cristina Roque, National Security Adviser Eduardo Año, Acting Presidential Communications Secretary Dave Gomez, Special Assistant to the President for Investment and Economic Affairs Frederick Go, and Philippine Ambassador to the U.S. Jose Manuel Romualdez.