Teodoro-Hegseth talks result in ‘Task Force Philippines’
Amid rising tensions with China in the West Philippine Sea, the United States and the Philippines on Friday announced a joint initiative, dubbed “Task Force Philippines,” to strengthen military cooperation and regional deterrence.
US Department of War (formerly Department of Defense) chief Pete Hegseth and Philippine Defense Secretary Gilberto Teodoro Jr. met to discuss measures to strengthen alliance capabilities, including joint exercises and contingency planning. Both sides emphasized the importance of upholding international law, territorial integrity and freedom of navigation in the region.
The two defense chiefs met for the fourth time during the Association of Southeast Asian Nations Defense Ministers’ Meeting in Malaysia.
“We don’t seek confrontation, but of course, we’re ready to protect our interests, individually and mutually,” Hegseth said. “That’s why we’re publicly announcing the ‘Task Force Philippines’ here with you today.”
Hegseth said the initiative is intended to improve joint preparedness and reinforce deterrence, while Teodoro highlighted the strategic importance of the Philippines’ location in the Indo‑Pacific.
“The US-Philippine alliance should not be seen in isolation, because the alliance and moving forward now are based on fundamentals,” Teodoro said. “These fundamentals are respect for international law, respect for territorial integrity and sovereignty.”
He added that the US and the Philippines must strengthen military cooperation and deterrence, and expand alliances, because freedom of navigation and respect for territorial integrity are vital for both countries and the world. He also noted that the Philippines’ strategic location makes deepening the alliance important for current and future generations.
The move builds on US-Philippine defense cooperation under the 1951 Mutual Defense Treaty, and is meant to improve interoperability, readiness and the capacity to respond to crises in these strategically vital waters.
The announcement comes amid heightened concerns over Chinese activities in disputed areas, including Panatag (Scarborough) Shoal and the Spratly Islands. Both the United States and the Philippines have repeatedly expressed the importance of peaceful resolution and adherence to international norms in the South China Sea.
