Lipton: Defense ties ‘for long haul’

“We’re in this for the long-term,” US Ambassador Lee Lipton said of the strategic relationship of Washington and Manila as the two countries marked the 75th year of the Mutual Defense Treaty.

The United States has reaffirmed its “ironclad” commitment to Philippine security, citing the expanded military cooperation, security assistance and joint exercises.

In a statement on Monday, Lipton said Washington remains firmly committed to defending Philippine sovereignty and territorial integrity, stressing that the longstanding alliance between the two countries is “stronger than ever.”

Lipton pointed to the growing defense partnership under President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., citing the hundreds of joint exercises and training activities conducted annually, hundreds of millions of dollars in US security assistance, expanded maritime cooperative activities, and frequent engagements between senior defense and security officials as demonstrations of the alliance.

He also highlighted the US support for disaster response and public health initiatives, describing the partnership as a long-term commitment.

Hegseth visit highlighted

The statement came after US Secretary of War Pete Hegseth’s visit to Cebu for the ASEAN Defense Ministers’ Meeting-Plus, which Lipton described as successful and reflective of the Trump administration’s push to strengthen alliances and deepen regional cooperation.

Hegseth’s visit, he said, underscored Washington’s recognition of Southeast Asia’s importance and its commitment to its alliance with the Philippines.

Lipton said the two countries share a vision for a peaceful, secure and prosperous Indo-Pacific, with their partnership anchored on regional stability and the protection of the freedom of navigation.

“We stand firmly with the Filipino people in defending sovereignty, protecting territorial integrity, and upholding the freedom of navigation on which we all rely for vibrant global commerce,” he said.

Beyond defense cooperation, the ambassador stressed the importance of strengthening economic ties, saying an equally strong economic partnership should match the security cooperation.

The United States supports the Philippines’ economic development, Lipton said, adding that reciprocal and mutually beneficial trade is essential to a shared prosperity.

He described the bilateral relationship as extending beyond treaties and strategic interests, calling it a bond between the two peoples that continues to grow stronger.

The Philippines and the United States signed the Mutual Defense Treaty on 30 August 1951, establishing a framework for mutual defense cooperation.