United States Ambassador to the Philippines Lee Lipton reaffirmed Washington’s “ironclad” commitment to Philippine security on Monday, November 2, emphasizing the longstanding defense alliance and continued cooperation between the two countries.
In a statement, Lipton said the United States remains committed to maintaining peace, security and prosperity in the Indo-Pacific region through stronger defense cooperation, maritime security initiatives and economic partnerships.
“Our commitment to Philippine security is ironclad. With President Ferdinand Marcos, Jr., the United States and the Philippines have built a powerful partnership grounded in shared principles, mutual respect, and an unwavering commitment to regional stability,” Lipton said.
The American envoy cited annual joint military exercises, defense training, US security assistance and expanded maritime cooperative activities as key components of the bilateral alliance.
He also highlighted Washington’s continuing support for disaster response operations and public health programs in the Philippines.
“We’re in this for the long-term,” Lipton said, underscoring the US government’s commitment to sustaining its partnership with Manila.
His remarks came as the Philippines and the United States mark the 75th anniversary of their Mutual Defense Treaty, which serves as the foundation of their longstanding security alliance.
“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, Lipton emphasized Washington’s commitment to strengthening economic relations with Manila.
He said the United States supports the Philippines’ economic development and considers reciprocal and mutually beneficial trade essential to achieving shared prosperity.
The ambassador described the Philippines as a longstanding ally, partner and friend, noting that bilateral relations extend beyond formal defense agreements and strategic interests.
He emphasized that the relationship is also strengthened by historical connections and enduring ties between the American and Filipino peoples.
Lipton’s statement followed the visit of US Secretary of War Pete Hegseth to Cebu province last week for the 13th ASEAN Defence Ministers’ Meeting-Plus (ADMM-Plus).
During the regional defense gathering, Hegseth proposed a new US-ASEAN defense cooperation framework aimed at strengthening security coordination among Southeast Asian countries and their dialogue partners.
He also called for the establishment of collaborative centers focusing on regional stability, maritime domain awareness and naval coordination across the Asia-Pacific.
Hegseth announced additional US military cooperation funding and assistance to support the modernization of the Armed Forces of the Philippines.
The latest assurances from Washington underscore the continuing defense and security cooperation between the Philippines and the United States amid evolving regional security challenges.
