Philippines and Trump plan stronger alliance together

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In a significant diplomatic exchange, Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr engaged in a telephone conversation with President-elect Donald Trump on Tuesday, where they discussed strengthening the alliance between their nations.

Following the call, Marcos shared with reporters that the interaction was both cordial and constructive, expressing his intention to arrange a meeting with Trump in the near future.

President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. speaks with US President-elect Donald Trump over the phone Tuesday (Nov. 19, 2024).

"The overwhelming support of Filipinos in the United States on your triumphant win is a testament to the deep and enduring friendship between our nations. pic.twitter.com/BDwNLHkA1s

— Philippine News Agency (@pnagovph) November 19, 2024

The Philippine leader noted Trump’s enthusiasm about connecting with the Philippines, highlighting how his administration has worked to enhance defense cooperation with Washington amid shared regional security concerns.

This engagement marks a continued shift from the previous administration under Rodrigo Duterte, who maintained an antagonistic stance toward the United States. Marcos’s recent visit to the US last year was particularly noteworthy, breaking a decade-long absence of Philippine leaders making official trips to America.

During the conversation, Trump inquired about Marcos’s mother, Imelda, the former first lady who, along with her late husband Ferdinand Marcos, found refuge in Hawaii with American assistance during the 1986 revolution. Marcos relayed her congratulatory message to Trump.

The Philippines’ strategic importance to American interests has grown, particularly in countering China’s expansionist activities in the South China Sea and its stance toward Taiwan. This was emphasized during Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin’s visit to Palawan’s Western Command, where he stated, “Americans are profoundly committed to the defense of the Philippines,” and “Our commitment to the Mutual Defense Treaty is ironclad. Let me say again that the Mutual Defense Treaty applies to armed attacks on either of our own armed forces, aircraft, or public vessels, including our coastguards, anywhere in the South China Sea.”

WATCH: President Bongbong Marcos confirmed that he spoke with U.S. President-elect Donald Trump over the phone, describing the conversation as “very good, very friendly, and very productive.”

Marcos said the discussion focused on reaffirming the alliance between the United… pic.twitter.com/39LlSml3g0

— Gio Robles (@_GioRobles) November 19, 2024

Recent years have seen escalating tensions between Manila and Beijing over territorial disputes in the South China Sea, a vital waterway facilitating over $3 trillion in annual maritime trade. While China claims sovereignty over most of this area, a 2016 ruling by the Permanent Court of Arbitration in the Hague invalidated these claims, supporting the Philippines’ position. Despite China’s rejection of this verdict, the United States maintains its support for the binding nature of this decision.