U.S. Promises Philippine President to Ramp up Deterrence on China

US Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth welcomes President of the Philippines Ferdinand "Bongbong" Marcos (L) during an honor cordon welcoming ceremony at the Pentagon in Washington, DC on July 21, 2025. (Photo by SAUL LOEB / AFP)

Top U.S. officials promised President Ferdinand Marcos of the Philippines on Monday that Washington will defend its longtime ally and ramp up military resources aimed at deterring an assertive China.

Marcos will meet Tuesday with President Donald Trump, who has rattled many European allies by demanding they pay more to be protected as part of NATO.

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by Agence France-Presse

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